Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with a built-in house edge, meaning the odds always favour the casino over time. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
Set a budget for entertainment, treat any losses as the cost of that entertainment, and stick to your limits.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are only for persons aged 18 years and older. If you are under 18, you must not access or use any online pokie platforms.
It is your responsibility to verify your age before playing. Licensed operators are required to conduct age verification checks before accepting your registration and processing any funds.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling can become problematic. Be honest with yourself and watch for these warning signs:
- Spending more time and money on pokies than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection Features
Most reputable online pokie operators offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on how much you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given time period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications during play sessions to remind you how long you've been playing
- Session Time Limits: Automatically end your play session after a set duration
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an operator's platform
- Account Cooling Off: Take a break from your account for a set period
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you and help you gamble responsibly.
Support Organisations & Help Resources
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 (PGF) — Free counselling and support services
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call/text) | Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz - Gambling Helpline — Support available 24/7
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free call) | Text: 8393
International Support (if needed)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable. If you feel your gambling is out of control, or if someone you care about is affected, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support — counsellors are trained to help without judgment.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or text 8393 — support is free and confidential.
Remember: your wellbeing matters more than any game. Help is just a phone call away.