Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should only be played as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While pokies can be fun and exciting, it's important to remember that the house always has an edge. Play responsibly, within your means, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to play online pokies. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to access or use any online gambling services. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss responsible gambling with young people and to use parental controls to prevent underage access.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be honest with yourself and check if any of these warning signs apply to you:
- Chasing losses: Trying to recover money lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from family or friends
- Loss of control: Unable to stick to set limits or stop when you want to
- Gambling with money needed for essentials: Using rent, bill, or grocery money to gamble
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same thrill
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
- Relationship conflicts: Arguments with loved ones about gambling habits
- Financial problems: Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most responsible online pokie platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you're willing to lose in a session or time period
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or session breaks to prevent extended gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you need to step away
Take advantage of these tools to maintain control over your gambling activities.
Support Organisations & Help Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): 0800 654 655 (free and confidential, 24/7)
- Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz – Information, support, and counselling services
International Resources
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk – Free support and counselling
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Free counselling and support
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org – Resources and prevention programs
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org – Helpline and resources
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Germany): www.bze.bund.de – Health education and support
Take Action Today
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please know that you are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible. Reach out to the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or visit www.pgf.nz for confidential support in New Zealand.
Your wellbeing matters. Don't wait—seek help today.