Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online pokies and casino games should only ever be viewed as entertainment, similar to going to the movies or playing sports. They should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and the outcome of every game is determined by random chance.

Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.

Age Verification

Online gambling in New Zealand is only legal for individuals aged 18 years and over. All players must verify their age before accessing any gaming platforms or placing bets.

If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or participate in online gambling. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor young people's online activity and discuss the risks of gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
• Hiding gambling activity or lying to family and friends about how much you gamble
• Gambling with money needed for essentials like rent, food, or bills
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
• Neglecting work, school, family, or hobbies because of gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or cope with negative emotions
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling

Self-Help Tools & Player Protection Features

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or cut-offs for your gaming sessions
• Reality Checks: Regular pop-up notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
• Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period

Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.

Support Organizations & Helplines

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available:

New Zealand Resources

• Problem Gambling Foundation – Free support service for problem gambling in NZ
  Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.pgf.nz
• Gambling Helpline – Confidential counselling and support
  Phone: 0800 006 886 | Website: www.nzgambleaware.co.nz

International Resources

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

All support services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free to access.

Seek Help Today

If you're experiencing difficulties with gambling, please reach out for support. Problem gambling is a real condition, and recovery is possible with help.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz – support is just a phone call away.

Remember: It's never too late to ask for help, and there is no shame in doing so.