Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the house, and gambling outcomes are determined by chance. If you find yourself viewing gambling as an income source or a solution to money worries, it may be time to reassess your habits.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. Online casinos and pokie sites have a responsibility to verify your age before allowing access. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gambling, contact the organisations listed below for support.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognise these common warning signs that your gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, food, or other essentials
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotions
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or to pay off gambling debts
- Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins and losses
- Friends or loved ones expressing concern about your gambling habits
If you recognise several of these signs in your own behaviour, reach out for help today.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Measures
Most online gaming platforms offer practical tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're prepared to lose before you stop playing
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during your gaming sessions to check how long and how much you've been playing
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets to manage risk
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a temporary break from gambling for hours, days, or weeks
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from a gambling site for a set period or indefinitely
Use these tools proactively to keep your gaming within safe and enjoyable limits.
Support Organisations in New Zealand & Beyond
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please contact one of these trusted organisations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Harm Reduction Services (GHRS) – Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gambling in NZ
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Information and resources for gambling addiction support
- Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand: 0800 225 060 – Free, 24/7 crisis support if you're in distress
International Organisations
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk – Free support and advice on problem gambling
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Free information and referrals
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org – Resources and support options
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org – Confidential helpline and resources
Get Help Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem, or if someone close to you does, please reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. There is no shame in asking for assistance—taking that first step is a sign of strength.
Remember: Gambling should always be fun and within your means. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to seek support.