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 losing is always a possibility.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use online pokie services in New Zealand. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate in any gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and protecting young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from problems or negative emotions
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Limits
Most reputable online pokie operators offer the following tools to help you control your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a specific period
- Spending Limits: Cap the total amount you can spend on gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically close your gaming session after a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for a set period (days, weeks, months, or years)
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activities.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please contact:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
Free and confidential support service
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.problemgambling.nz - Gamblers Anonymous (GA) New Zealand
Support groups and peer assistance
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz - 1Doc3 (Online Counselling Service)
Free mental health support available to all New Zealanders
Phone: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7)
Website: www.1doc3.org.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom)
National 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
If You Need Help
If gambling is causing you distress or financial hardship, please reach out for support immediately. There is no shame in seeking help, and professional support services are confidential and free.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) today:
Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.problemgambling.nz
You can also call the national crisis line: 1737 (available 24/7, free to call or text)