Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to make money or recover losses, it's time to seek support.
Play responsibly and within your means. Set limits before you start playing and stick to them.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online gambling. If you are underage, please do not use gambling services.
All reputable online casinos verify player age and identity before allowing access to gaming platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone else, problem gambling may be present:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like rent, bills, or food
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Experiencing relationship conflicts related to gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic breaks or session duration limits
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a casino or multiple casinos
- Account Closure: Close your account if you need to stop gambling entirely
Always use these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, contact one of these organizations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): 0800 664 262 (free and confidential) | www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline (Samaritans): 0800 042 8635 | www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (Self-Exclusion Scheme): www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): www.bzga.de
All services are confidential and free. There is no shame in seeking help.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. If you're struggling with your gambling habits, please contact one of the organizations listed above. Speaking to someone is the first step toward recovery.
You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.