Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with no guaranteed way to win money. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn income or solve financial problems.

Set a budget for entertainment purposes, just as you would for cinema tickets or dining out, and stick to it.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in New Zealand. This is the legal requirement under the Gambling Act 2003.

If you are under 18, please do not use online gambling services. Gambling at a young age can lead to serious harm and problem gambling behaviours.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate problem gambling:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
• Gambling with larger amounts of money than intended
• Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or manage stress and negative emotions
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, reach out for help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Responsible online pokie operators provide tools to help you manage your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
• Time Limits: Set time reminders to track how long you've been playing
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic pop-up reminders about your playing time and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms

Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you maintain control and gamble responsibly.

Support Organisations for New Zealand

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, contact one of these organisations:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation
  Helpline: 0800 664 262 (free and confidential)
  Website: www.problemgambling.nz
  Offers counselling, support groups, and resources for problem gamblers and their whānau.
• Gamblers Anonymous (NZ)
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
  Peer-support meetings and 12-step recovery programme.

International Resources

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org

Take Action Now

If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, seek help today. There is no shame in reaching out. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit their website at www.problemgambling.nz for confidential support.

Your wellbeing is important. Gamble responsibly, and remember: if gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop.