Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means. Remember: the house always has an edge, and outcomes are determined by chance.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming in New Zealand. If you are under the legal age, please do not access gaming sites. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor young people's internet activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Spending more time or money on gaming than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or loved ones
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Using gaming as an escape from problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other responsibilities
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gaming
- Loss of control over gambling habits
- Experiencing relationship or financial difficulties due to gaming
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming sites offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during gaming sessions about time and money spent
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for individual gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming sites
- Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your account
Use these tools to set boundaries that work for your budget and lifestyle.
Support & Help Organizations
If you need help or support, confidential assistance is available from the following organizations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free, confidential counselling and support | Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.problemgambling.nz
- Gamblers Anonymous (NZ) – Peer support and 12-step programme | Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
- Samaritans NZ – General emotional support | Phone: 1 800 726 666 | Website: www.samaritans.org.nz
International Support Services
- UK – GamCare | www.gamcare.org.uk
- UK – GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme) | www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia – Gambling Help Online | www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada – Responsible Gambling Council | www.responsiblegambling.org
- USA – National Council on Problem Gambling | www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) | www.bzga.de
Take Action Today
If you believe you may have a gambling problem, or if someone close to you does, please reach out for help. Support is confidential, free, and available 24/7 through the organizations listed above.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get back on track.
For more information about responsible gaming, visit the Problem Gambling Foundation NZ.