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. While playing can be fun, it's important to understand that the house always has an edge, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.

Gamble responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, online gambling is only available to players aged 18 years and over. All licensed operators must verify your age before allowing you to play. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to create an account or participate in any gambling activities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of these warning signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling with more money to try to win back what you've lost
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Hiding your gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
• Neglecting family, work, or social responsibilities due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or distressed when not gambling
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Loss of interest in other hobbies and activities

Self-Help Tools & Limit Setting

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
• Reality Checks: Receive notifications during play reminding you how long and how much you've been gambling
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from your account, preventing access to gambling for a set period
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a specified duration

Take advantage of these tools to gamble within your budget.

Support & Help Resources for New Zealand

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:

New Zealand Support Services:

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) – Free, confidential support and counselling services
  Phone: 0800 664 262 (toll-free)
  Website: www.pgf.nz
• Gambling Helpline – 24/7 support for problem gamblers and their families
  Phone: 0800 654 655 (toll-free)
  Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• 1Doc Health – Online health services including problem gambling support
  Website: www.1doc.co.nz

International Support Services:

• GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK 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

Get Help Today

If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone else, please reach out for support immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and professional help is available. There's no shame in asking for assistance—it's a sign of strength.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz for confidential support.