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. Like any form of entertainment, it carries the risk of losing money. Play responsibly and only with funds you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to play online pokies in New Zealand. All operators on this site are required to verify your age before allowing access to gambling services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills)
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Neglecting work, school, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online operators offer tools to help you stay in control of 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're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically end your gaming session after a set duration
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling accounts
Use these tools to maintain control and gamble within your means.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free helpline and counselling services
www.problemgambling.nz - Gambling Helpline Aotearoa – 0800 654 655 (24/7 free phone service)
Available for Māori and Pasifika communities with culturally-appropriate support
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom: GamStop (Self-exclusion scheme) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you believe you or someone you care about may have a problem with gambling, please reach out for help. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The services listed above are free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
Don't gamble alone with your problems – contact a helpline today.