Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. While playing pokies can be fun and exciting, it's important to remember that the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses by gambling more.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to play online pokies in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement to protect young people from the potential harms of gambling. If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or loved ones
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or cope with negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or gambling with money needed for essentials
- Neglecting work, school, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying about the amount of money spent on gambling
If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone else, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable online pokies providers offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you're willing to lose in a session
- Session Time Limits: Set alarms to remind you how long you've been playing
- Reality Checks: Pop-up reminders during your gaming session
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an online pokies site
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed
Use these tools to maintain control over your gambling and keep it enjoyable.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available:
New Zealand Support Services
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) – Free counselling and support for problem gambling in New Zealand
www.problemgambling.org.nz - Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand – 24/7 emotional support
Phone: 0800 726 666 | www.samaritans.org.nz
International Support Services
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom) – Self-exclusion scheme – www.gamstop.co.uk
- 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
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available and recovery is possible. If you're struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. Speaking to someone confidentially can make a real difference.
You are not alone. Help is just a phone call or click away.