Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution

Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only. They are games of chance with built-in house advantages, and are never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits before you start.

Age Verification

Online pokies are strictly for adults aged 18 years and over in New Zealand. If you are under the legal age, please do not play. Operators are required to verify your age and identity before allowing access to real-money gaming.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money lost
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about the time or money spent
• Unable to control the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Neglecting family, work, study, or other important responsibilities
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Experiencing mood swings or anxiety related to gambling
• Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• Gambling as a way to escape problems or difficult emotions

Self-Help Tools & Features

Most reputable online pokie sites offer these protective tools:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
• Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of time
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an operator's site or use multi-operator schemes
• Account Closure: Request permanent account termination if needed

Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming.

Support & Counselling Services

If you're concerned about your gambling or need support, help is available:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline NZ (National)
  Phone: 0800 654 655
  Available 24/7, free and confidential
  Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation
  Website: www.pgf.nz
  Information, resources, and support services

International Support Services

• GamCare (UK)
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion)
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
  www.ncpgambling.org

Need Help?

If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, reach out today. Support is confidential, non-judgmental, and free. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can take back control.

Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (24/7)

Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.