Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming in New Zealand. If you are under 18, please do not use gaming services. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and protecting young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Neglecting family, work, study, or other important responsibilities
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or control gambling
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you manage your gaming responsibly:
- 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 over a defined period
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log you out after a set period of gaming
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
- Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your gaming account
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming habits.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you need help or wish to speak with someone about problem gambling, the following organisations provide confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
Free and confidential support services for problem gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gambling Helpline NZ
Confidential support and information
Phone: 0800 006 886
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom)
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
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support, and trained professionals are available to help you take back control.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz for confidential assistance.