Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Strategy
Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only. They are games of chance, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and winnings are never guaranteed. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online.
Parents and Guardians: If you are concerned about a young person's gambling habits, please reach out to the support organizations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know?
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling: Keeping your gambling activity secret from friends or family
- Loss of Control: Gambling for longer than intended or with more money than planned
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or social commitments to gamble
- Financial Strain: Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood Changes: Becoming anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Escalating Stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Failed Attempts to Stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gambling
- Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or other problems
If you recognize any of these signs, help is available. Please contact one of the support organizations below.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most online pokies platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you will deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications to remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Session Time Limits: Set an automatic stop time for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms for a set period
- Account Closure: Close your account entirely if you wish to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organizations in New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, these organizations offer free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation
Helpline: 0800 352 352
Website: www.pgf.nz
Free counselling, support groups, and resources available 24/7 - Gambling Helpline Aotearoa
Helpline: 0800 654 655
Free, confidential telephone counselling service - Gamblers Anonymous
Website: www.gamblersanon.org.nz
Support meetings throughout New Zealand for people affected by problem gambling
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom Self-Exclusion)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help? Reach Out Today
If you are experiencing problem gambling, you are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organizations above offer free, confidential support with no judgment.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 352 352 or visit www.pgf.nz today.
Remember: Gambling should always be fun and within your means. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek support.