Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Playing should always be within your means, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Set a budget before you play and stick to it.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to play online pokies in New Zealand. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction. We do not knowingly accept registrations from anyone under the legal gambling age.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or other essential expenses
- Thinking about gambling constantly or planning your next gaming session
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you try to cut back or stop gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to finance your gambling
- Lying to others about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Neglecting work, study, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Attempting to stop or control your gambling without success
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Many online pokies platforms offer tools to help you maintain control of your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic time restrictions for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming platforms
- Account Closure: Request to have your account closed if you wish to stop playing
We encourage you to use these tools to maintain responsible gaming habits.
Support & Help Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Here are organisations that can assist:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) – Free helpline: 0800 664 262 (24/7) | www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline NZ – Phone: 0800 654 655 | Text: 8681 (free services available)
- Samaritans NZ – For emotional support: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7)
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (Self-Exclusion Scheme) – www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Helpline: +49 800 137 27 00
Need Help?
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. Contacting one of the support organisations listed above is a positive step towards recovery. Remember, problem gambling is a treatable condition, and many people have successfully overcome it with proper support.
Don't gamble alone. Reach out to someone you trust today.