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 with a responsible mindset and set realistic expectations about outcomes.

Remember: the house always has a mathematical edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet more than you've planned.

Age Verification

Online pokies in New Zealand are restricted to players aged 18 years and over. By using this site, you confirm that you meet this legal age requirement.

If you are under 18, you must not access or use any online gaming services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss responsible gaming with young people and monitor their online activities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:

• Spending more time or money on gaming than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount wagered
• Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gaming
• Experiencing anxiety or irritability when unable to gamble
• Using gambling to escape stress, problems, or negative emotions
• Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Experiencing relationship conflict due to gambling habits
• Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement

If you recognise these signs, support is available. Please reach out to one of the organisations listed below.

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Many online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a session
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during your gaming session to help you track time and spending
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming sites, preventing access for a set period
• Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to control how long you play
• Account Closure: Close your gaming account if you wish to stop entirely

We encourage you to use these tools as part of your responsible gaming practice. Review your account settings regularly and adjust limits as needed.

Support & Help for New Zealand

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

New Zealand-Based Resources

• Gambling Harm Support Service (Aotearoa New Zealand)
  Free, confidential support for people affected by problem gambling
  Phone: 0800 664 262 (24/7)
  Website: www.gamblingsupport.org.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation
  Information, support, and resources for problem gambling in New Zealand
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.pgf.nz
• 1Doc3 (Mental Health Support)
  Free online counselling for New Zealanders
  Website: www.1doc3.com

International Resources

• GamCare (UK)
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion Scheme)
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

If You Need Help

Take action today. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. Whether you're experiencing problem gambling yourself or concerned about someone else, the organisations above provide free, confidential help.

Contact the Gambling Harm Support Service on 0800 664 262 (24/7, toll-free in New Zealand) to speak with someone who can help.

Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can regain control.