Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun, it's important to understand that the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits before you start.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online. If you are under the legal age, please do not use gaming platforms.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to get the same level of excitement
• Hiding your gambling from friends, family, or partners
• Neglecting work, school, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Gambling affecting your mental health, relationships, or finances

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or time period
• Reality Checks: Receive notifications during gaming sessions reminding you how long you've been playing
• Session Limits: Automatically log you out after a set duration
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing gaming platforms
• Spending Tracker: Monitor your spending in real-time

Use these tools proactively to protect yourself and maintain healthy gambling habits.

Support & Help Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organisations that provide free, confidential support:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation – Free counselling and support services across New Zealand
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.pgf.nz
• Gamblers Anonymous New Zealand – Peer support meetings and recovery programs
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz

International Resources

• GamCare (UK) – Support and counselling for problem gamblers
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK) – Multi-operator self-exclusion scheme
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Counselling and information
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Resources and support
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – Helpline and resources
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org

If You Need Help

If you or someone close to you is experiencing difficulties with gambling, please reach out for support. There is no shame in asking for help—recovery is possible with proper support and treatment. Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 (free call, available 24/7) or visit www.pgf.nz to access counselling services.

Remember: Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to seek help.