Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble to chase losses or escape personal difficulties.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling services. If you are aware of underage gambling, please report it to the Department of Internal Affairs.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop gambling without success
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of money spent
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions
- Neglecting work, study, family, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or mood changes when unable to gamble
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer self-help features to support responsible gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications that remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for a set period, preventing access to your account
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to encourage breaks from playing
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling behaviour.
Support Organisations in New Zealand and Beyond
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ (Samaritans)
Free, confidential phone support: 0800 654 655
Available 24/7 | Also available via text, email, and chat at www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation
Website: www.problemgambling.nz
Support services and resources for New Zealand - Department of Internal Affairs
Gambling Commission enquiries: www.dia.govt.nz
International Support Services
- GamCare (UK)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support and counselling for problem gambling - GamStop (UK)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Counselling and support services - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Educational resources and support information - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a recognised issue that can affect anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, please reach out to one of the support services listed above. These organisations are staffed by trained professionals who can provide confidential, non-judgmental assistance.
Remember: You are not alone, and recovery is possible with proper support.