Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Like any form of entertainment, it should only be played with money you can afford to lose. If you find yourself relying on gambling as income or a solution to financial difficulties, please seek help immediately.
Age Verification
In Aotearoa New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble on pokies or other gaming products. If you are under 18, please do not use these services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Please be aware of these warning signs that may indicate problem gambling:
- Chasing losses by continuing to gamble to recover money lost
- Hiding your gambling activities or the amount of money spent from family and friends
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, groceries, medications)
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
- Experiencing financial difficulties or debt as a result of gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Lying to others about the extent of your gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please reach out for support.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the total amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or automatic log-out after a certain period of play
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications during play to remind you how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing gaming platforms for a set period or permanently
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you stay in control of your gaming habits.
Support Organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand Services:
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Gambling Helpline Aotearoa
Free, confidential telephone and online support for people experiencing gambling harm
Phone: 0800 654 655
Available 24/7 -
Problem Gambling Foundation
Provides counselling, support services, and resources for problem gamblers and their whΔnau
Website: www.problemgambling.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 -
Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa New Zealand
Peer support meetings and fellowship for those seeking recovery
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Services:
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GamCare (United Kingdom)
Free support for problem gamblers
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk -
GamStop (United Kingdom)
National self-exclusion scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk -
Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Free counselling and support services
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au -
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Evidence-based resources and support
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org -
National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Help and resources for problem gamblers
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Seek Help Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support.
Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. The earlier you seek help, the better. Contact the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 (available 24/7) or visit www.problemgambling.nz to speak with a trained counsellor today.
You don't have to face this alone. Help is available, and people care about your wellbeing.