Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to make money or solve financial problems. Always gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits on both time and spending before you play.
If you find yourself relying on gambling as a source of income or to cover expenses, it may be time to seek help.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement designed to protect young people from the risks of gambling. All reputable online casinos verify player age before allowing access to games.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble online. If you are concerned about a young person's gambling, contact the organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Are you experiencing any of the following? This checklist can help you recognise if your gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying about the amount you gamble
- Neglecting family, work, study, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or mood swings when unable to gamble
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling that gambling is your only way to escape stress or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Jeopardising relationships, job, education, or financial security because of gambling
- Needing to gamble larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed below.
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose before stopping play
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders during play sessions about how long you have been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from your account, preventing access to gambling
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to remind you to take a break
- Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools to maintain control of your gambling and protect your wellbeing.
Support & Help Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa)
Free and confidential support for problem gambling in New Zealand
www.pgf.nz - Gamblers Anonymous
Peer support meetings and resources for gamblers in recovery
www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz - Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand
24/7 support for mental health and emotional distress
www.samaritans.org.nz - 1737 – Call or Text (Free Call)
24/7 counselling service for New Zealanders in crisis
Call or text 1737
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom Self-Exclusion Scheme)
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, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling:
- Contact one of the organisations listed above for confidential support
- Use self-exclusion tools to take control of your gambling
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare provider
- Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
You are not alone. Help is available now.