Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with a built-in house edge. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Set a budget for entertainment purposes only, just as you would for cinema, dining, or other leisure activities.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to use this website or any online gambling services. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Parents and guardians: Please monitor your children's internet use and ensure they do not access gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food, medications)
- Experiencing mood changes or irritability when not gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or gambling to solve financial problems
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or cope with negative emotions
- Feeling anxious or restless when unable to gamble
- Risk-taking behaviour (increasing bet sizes to achieve the same excitement)
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gambling operators offer self-help tools to assist you in maintaining control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you are willing to lose within a specified timeframe
- Session Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic disconnection after a predetermined time spent gambling
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders showing how much time and money you have spent during a session
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for a set period (days, weeks, or months) or permanently
Take advantage of these features if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic. Operators are required to provide these tools and honour your requests.
Support Organizations & Helplines for New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand Resources
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa)
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free and confidential)
Website: www.pgf.nz
Provides counselling, support, and information for problem gambling in New Zealand - Gambling Helpline (Samaritans NZ)
Phone: 0800 802 090
Available 24/7 for emotional support and gambling concerns - Gamblers Anonymous
Support groups across New Zealand for peer-based recovery
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom Self-Exclusion Scheme)
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help? Reach Out Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and support is available. You are not alone.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) on 0800 664 262 for free, confidential support in New Zealand.
Remember: gambling should only ever be for entertainment. If it is affecting your life, finances, relationships, or mental health, it is time to seek help.