Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games are designed for entertainment purposes only. They should never be viewed 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.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Only spend money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the risks of gambling with young people and to use parental controls to prevent underage access to gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like rent, bills, or food
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or relationships due to gambling
- Gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or other problems
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of gameplay
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing online gambling sites
- Account Cooling-Off: Take a break from gambling for a specified period
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling behaviour.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): Free, confidential support available 24/7
Phone: 0800 654 655
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation: Support and resources for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.pgf.nz
International Support Services
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, reach out for help today. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and support is available to you.
Contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ): 0800 654 655 for confidential, free support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone.