Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
Online pokies and casino games are designed purely for entertainment purposes. They should never be viewed as a way to earn money, supplement income, or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favor of the house, and losses are inevitable over time. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online gaming in New Zealand is strictly for players aged 18 years and older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online gambling. If you are under the legal age, please do not use gaming services. We encourage parents and guardians to monitor online activity and discuss responsible gaming with young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following behaviors in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activity from friends, family, or loved ones
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Borrowing money or going into debt to finance gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Experiencing financial, legal, or relationship problems due to gambling
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Options
Many online casinos and gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing gaming accounts for a fixed or indefinite period
Use these tools proactively. Most reputable operators make these features easily accessible in account settings.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available. The following organizations provide free support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (New Zealand): Free call 0800 654 655 | Text 8393 | www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: www.problemgambling.org.nz
International Resources
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom - GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom - GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (National self-exclusion scheme)
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States - National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
All services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free to use.
Take Action Today
If you think you may have a gambling problem, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support. Millions of people experience problem gambling, and recovery is possible with the right assistance.
Contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ) now: 0800 654 655
Your wellbeing matters. Help is available, and you don't have to face this alone.