Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and the outcome of every game is determined by random chance. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Aotearoa New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. We are committed to preventing underage gambling. If you are under 18, please do not use our affiliate links or access online gaming sites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to try to win back losses
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time and money spent gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Experiencing relationship conflicts or financial problems related to gambling
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online gaming operators provide responsible gambling tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose within a specified timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during gaming sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logout times to limit how long you play in one sitting
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organisations & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Puna Whakaora) – Free counselling and support services | www.problemgambling.nz
- Gambling Helpline (Te Apārangi) – Free, confidential telephone support: 0800 654 655 | Available 24/7
- Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand – Support for emotional distress: 1800 726 666
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Support for problem gambling | www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme | www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Information and support resources | www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Education and treatment referrals | www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 | www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. If you believe you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, please reach out for support today. Contacting a helpline or counselling service is confidential, free, and the first step toward recovery.
Don't hesitate – help is available right now:
Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa New Zealand): 0800 654 655
You are not alone, and recovery is possible.