Responsible Gaming

Gaming 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 make money or solve financial problems. The odds always favour the house, and all games are based on chance. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and pokies. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not use any gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their children's online activities and use parental controls where available.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem. Please seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more money to try to recover what you've lost
• Gambling with larger amounts of money than intended
• Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down or stop
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Neglecting work, study, family, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Failed attempts to control or reduce gambling
• Lying to others about the extent of your gambling
• Experiencing financial difficulties caused by gambling

Self-Help Tools

Most online gambling operators offer tools to help you manage your gaming responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're prepared to lose before stopping play
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during play sessions about how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to control how long you play
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms for a period you choose

Take advantage of these features — they are designed to help you stay in control.

Support Organizations in New Zealand

If you need help with problem gambling, please contact one of these organizations:

New Zealand Services

• Problem Gambling Foundation
  Freephone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.pgf.nz
  Free, confidential support and counselling services
• Gambling Helpline
  Freephone: 0800 654 655
  Free advice and support available 24/7

International Services

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

Need Help? Take Action Now

If you believe you have a gambling problem or are concerned about your gambling habits, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support — professional counsellors are available to assist you confidentially and without judgment.

Contacting the Problem Gambling Foundation or Gambling Helpline is free and confidential.

Your wellbeing is important. Help is available, and recovery is possible.