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 remember that the odds always favor the house. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and set realistic expectations about your gaming experience.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming. All licensed operators are required to verify your age before allowing access to gaming platforms. If you are under 18, we strongly encourage you not to gamble.
Parents and guardians: Please monitor your family's online activities and use parental controls to prevent underage access to gaming sites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognizing these warning signs early can help you or a loved one address problem gambling before it becomes serious:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling: Being secretive about how much time or money you spend gaming
- Loss of control: Finding it difficult to stop gambling or stick to limits you've set
- Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing gaming over work, school, family, or relationships
- Borrowing money: Taking out loans or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
- Increasing amounts: Needing to gamble with larger sums to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gaming to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, or other emotional issues
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it's important to seek help as soon as possible.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming operators offer tools to help you maintain control of your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a cap on how much you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or restrictions on how long you can play in one session
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications during gaming sessions to remind you of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming platforms
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gaming by temporarily suspending your account
Make use of these tools to maintain a healthy relationship with online gaming.
Support Organizations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. The following organizations provide confidential support and resources:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) — Free counselling and support for problem gambling
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gambling Helpline (NZ) — 24/7 confidential support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Text: HELP to 8393 - Lifeline Aotearoa — Crisis support available 24/7
Phone: 0800 543 354
www.lifeline.org.nz
International Support Resources
- GamCare (UK) — Counselling and information on problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK) — National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia) — Free counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) — Information and resources
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (US) — Help and referrals
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you believe you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, please reach out for help immediately. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organizations listed above are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling and can provide confidential, non-judgmental assistance.
Remember: Help is available, recovery is possible, and you don't have to face this alone.
For immediate support in New Zealand, contact the Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 or text HELP to 8393.