Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed purely as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it with the right mindset and within your means.
Remember: The house always has an edge, and outcomes are determined by random number generators. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming in New Zealand. If you are under the legal age, please do not use our services. We are committed to protecting minors from gambling-related harm.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding or lying about the amount of time or money spent gaming
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills)
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gaming
- Neglecting family, work, school, or other important responsibilities
- Borrowing money to fund gaming activities
- Unable to cut back or stop gaming despite wanting to
- Gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Experiencing relationship problems due to gaming
- Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts for the same excitement
If you experience any of these warning signs, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Controls
We provide tools to help you maintain control of your gaming habits:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a limit on how much you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders to check how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Time Limits: Set session time limits to prevent extended gaming periods
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
Take advantage of these tools to play responsibly and within your limits.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Hiringa Whenua): Free, confidential support service.
Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.pgf.nz - Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa: Support meetings across New Zealand.
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support Services
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Don't wait. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Whether you're concerned about your own gaming habits or those of someone you care about, support is available 24/7. Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Hiringa Whenua) on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz for free, confidential assistance.
Your wellbeing matters. Help is just a phone call away.