Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Strategy
Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in New Zealand. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate in online pokies or any form of gambling.
Operators are required to verify your age before allowing access to gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Lying to family, friends, or professionals about gambling habits
- Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other problems
- Difficulty controlling gambling time or money spent
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools and Limits
Responsible operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Control the maximum amount you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders during gaming sessions about how long you've been playing
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic time restrictions for each gaming session
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
Most reputable online pokies operators in New Zealand offer these tools. Use them to set boundaries that work for you.
Support Organizations in New Zealand and Beyond
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these organizations provide confidential support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): 0800 654 655 (Free, confidential, 24/7) — www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): www.pgf.nz
- Samaritans NZ: 1 800 726 666 (Support for emotional distress)
International Organizations
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk — Free counseling and support
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is treatable. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 (NZ) or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz for confidential, free assistance.
Friends, family members, and whānau concerned about someone's gambling are also welcome to call.