Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun, it's important to understand that the odds always favour the house. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble as a solution to financial difficulties.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, you must not use any online pokie services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their children's online activities and speak with them about responsible gaming.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know?

• Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding gambling activity: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling from family or friends
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Increased time and money: Needing to spend more money or time gambling to get the same excitement
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
• Borrowing to gamble: Using loans, credit cards, or borrowed money to fund gambling
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
• Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions
• Lying about gambling: Deceiving family, friends, or professionals about the extent of your gambling

If you've identified with any of these signs, help is available. Please reach out to a support organisation.

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online pokie operators offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
• Session Time Limits: Automatically log you out after a set period of time
• Reality Checks: Regular reminders during play showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms

Use these tools actively. They're designed to help you stay in control of your gaming experience.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you're concerned about your gambling or need support, these organisations can help:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa)
  Free, confidential support and counselling
  www.problemgambling.nz
• Gamblers Anonymous (New Zealand)
  Support groups and peer assistance
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz

International Resources

• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom - National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
  www.ncpgambling.org

Crisis Support: If you're in immediate distress, contact emergency services or your local mental health crisis team.

Take Action Today

If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please seek help now. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. There is no shame in reaching out—recovery starts with a single step.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) today for free, confidential support.