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 a built-in house edge, meaning the odds always favour the operator. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
If you choose to play, do so responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. Online gambling is strictly regulated, and all operators are required to verify the age of players.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or play. Underage gambling is illegal and can have serious consequences.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these common signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Gambling affecting your mental or physical health
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Responsible online poker sites offer tools to help you manage your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
- Reality Checks: Request notifications at regular intervals reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Close your account and be excluded from gambling services for a set period (typically 6 months to several years)
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling.
Support & Help Organisations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional support is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Poutoreretanga Ahumoni) – Free, confidential support and counselling services for people affected by problem gambling
Phone: 0800 664 262 (24/7)
Website: www.pgf.nz - Gambling Helpline – Confidential telephone counselling
Phone: 0800 654 600
Available 24/7
International Support Services
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Support and counselling for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Free counselling and support services
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Information and support for problem gambling
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – Helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you are experiencing problem gambling or suspect someone you know may be, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support—problem gambling is a recognised condition, and professional help is available and effective.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) on 0800 664 262 to speak with a counsellor today.
Your wellbeing is important. Gambling should enhance your entertainment, not harm your life.