Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Playing should always be within your means and for fun only. Remember that the house always has a mathematical edge, and losing is a real possibility every time you play.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to use online gaming services in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. If you are under the legal age, please do not use this website or any online gaming platforms.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
• Hiding your gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
• Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
• Unable to stop or cut back on gambling despite wanting to
• Experiencing mood swings or irritability when not gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Neglecting work, school, family, or relationships due to gambling
• Feeling anxious or stressed when unable to gamble
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Gambling larger amounts to get the same excitement (escalation)

Self-Help Tools & Safety Features

Most online gaming operators offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a set period
• Reality Checks: Enable reminders during play sessions to check how long you've been playing
• Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account to take a break from gambling
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from gambling accounts
• Account Closure: Close your gaming account if you wish to stop entirely

Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming activities.

Support & 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 (NZ)
  Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call)
  Website: www.pgf.nz
  Offers free counselling and support services across New Zealand.
• Gambling Helpline (Gamblers Anonymous NZ)
  Phone: 0800 GAMBLING (0800 425 338)
  Free, confidential peer support and recovery programmes.

International Resources

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom - Self-Exclusion Register)
  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

Need Help Now?

If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for support today. There is no shame in asking for help, and recovery is possible with the right support.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz

Remember: gambling should only ever be a form of entertainment. If it's causing you harm, help is available and confidential.