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. Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Remember that the house always has a mathematical edge, and outcomes are determined by random chance.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All reputable online pokies operators are required by law to verify your age before allowing access to their platforms. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, problem gambling may be affecting your life:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling sessions
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Risking important relationships, education, or career opportunities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Being unable to account for time spent gambling
Self-Help Tools & Harm Minimisation
Most online pokies operators offer responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during play to notify you of how long you've been gaming
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you need a break from gambling
- Time Limits: Set session time limits to prevent extended, uninterrupted play
- Cooling Off Period: Take a mandatory break before re-opening a self-excluded account
If your chosen operator does not offer these tools, consider switching to one that does.
Support Organisations for New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
Problem Gambling Foundation (New Zealand)
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.pgf.nz
The primary organisation for problem gambling support in New Zealand, offering counselling, advice, and resources.
Gambling Helpline
Phone: 0800 006 886
Email: info@gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Free, confidential counselling and support services available throughout New Zealand.
Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand
Phone: 1100 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.samaritans.org.nz
Emotional support for people in distress, including those affected by problem gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
A fellowship of individuals who meet to share their experience and support each other in recovery from gambling addiction.
International Support Resources
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
Do You Need Help?
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please reach out for support immediately. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit your local support service today. Help is confidential, free, and available 24/7.
Remember: You don't have to face this alone.