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 gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means.
Remember: the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble on pokies or other gaming platforms.
If you are under 18, please do not access online pokies. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor young people's internet activity and discuss the risks of gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs? If so, problem gambling may be affecting you:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about the extent or frequency of your gambling
- Loss of control over gambling habits
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
If you've identified with any of these signs, it's important to seek support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Many reputable online pokies operators provide tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend in a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a threshold for how much you're prepared to lose before stopping
- Time Limits: Take breaks with session reminders and time-outs
- Reality Checks: Pop-up notifications that remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
- Account Closure: Close your account if you decide to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively to maintain control and gamble responsibly.
Get Help: Support Organizations in New Zealand & Beyond
If you're struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to one of these organisations. They offer confidential support, counselling, and resources:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa)
Free counselling and support services
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gamblers Anonymous (NZ)
Peer support and recovery meetings
www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
Free support, advice, and counselling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom)
National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Counselling and resources for problem gambling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Evidence-based gambling resources
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Information and referral services
www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a real issue, but help is available. Whether you're experiencing gambling difficulties yourself or concerned about someone else, please don't hesitate to contact one of the support organisations listed above.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Counsellors are trained, confidential, and non-judgmental. Your first step towards recovery could be just a phone call away.
If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a mental health crisis line immediately.