Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance designed for fun, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Remember that the house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is strictly regulated and only available to players aged 18 years or older. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before participating in any gaming activities. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of identity at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in your own behaviour, please seek help immediately:
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Spending more time gambling than intended
- Repeatedly trying to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Becoming restless or irritable when attempting to reduce gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Lying to family members, therapists, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Jeopardising relationships, employment, or educational opportunities due to gambling
- Relying on others to provide money to cover gambling losses
- Gambling as a way to escape problems or regulate mood
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online gaming operators provide responsible gaming tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you are willing to sustain
- Spend Limits: Control the total amount you spend on gaming activities
- Session Time Limits: Restrict the length of each gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders during play showing your time spent and money wagered
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gaming platforms for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
We encourage you to use these tools proactively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organisations & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available. New Zealand and international organisations dedicated to helping problem gamblers include:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (New Zealand): 0800 654 655 (free phone and text service, 24/7) - www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Hiranga Toiora): www.pgf.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk - Multi-operator self-exclusion scheme
- 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
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Germany): www.bzga.de
All of these organisations provide confidential support, counselling, and resources at no cost.
Seek Help Today
If you have a gambling problem or suspect you may be developing one, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support—problem gambling is a recognised condition, and professional help is available.
Contact the Gambling Helpline in New Zealand on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Remember: gambling should always be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.