Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should only be played as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling always carries a risk of losing money. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following warning signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Gambling more frequently or with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
Self-Help Tools
Many online casinos offer tools to help you control your gambling. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit in a given period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you are willing to lose
- Time Limits: Set time restrictions on your gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders while playing to check your time and spending
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
Speak to your online casino provider about implementing these tools on your account.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help and support is available from:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) — Free and confidential support services for New Zealanders affected by problem gambling. Services include counselling, support groups, and resource materials.
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gambling Helpline Aotearoa — 24/7 support line offering advice and referrals to local services.
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free call, 24 hours)
International Support (if accessing from other countries)
- United Kingdom: GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk) and GamStop (www.gamstop.co.uk)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online (www.gamblinghelponline.org.au)
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council (www.responsiblegambling.org)
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (www.ncpgambling.org)
If You Need Help
Please reach out if you are struggling with your gambling. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get support.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation or Gambling Helpline Aotearoa today—both services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.