Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online pokies and casino games are designed for entertainment purposes only. They should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and outcomes are determined by random chance. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and set realistic expectations about your experience.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, please do not use online pokies or casino services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their children's online activities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling with increasing amounts of money
• Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions
• Spending more time and money on gambling than planned
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot gamble
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Loss of interest in other hobbies and activities
• Experiencing financial, relationship, or legal problems due to gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour, reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online poker and casino platforms offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose before stopping play
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders during play sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Time Limits: Set automatic session duration limits that log you out after a specified time
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from playing on a platform for a period you choose
• Account Cooling-Off Period: Request a temporary pause before accessing your account again

Use these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you and keep gambling enjoyable.

Get Help: Support Organizations for New Zealand

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please contact one of these organisations:

New Zealand Resources

• Problem Gambling Foundation
  Phone: 0800 664 262 (free, confidential)
  Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz
  Offers counselling, support groups, and resources for people affected by problem gambling
• Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand
  Phone: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7)
  Website: www.1737.org.nz
  Confidential support for people in emotional distress
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
  Peer support groups based on a 12-step recovery programme

International Resources

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

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Seeking help for problem gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or that of someone close to you, support is available and recovery is possible.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.problemgambling.org.nz to speak with a counsellor today.

Remember: gambling should always remain fun and within your control. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to seek support.