Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with odds that always favour the house. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
Remember: the money you spend on pokies is the cost of entertainment, just like going to a movie or buying a meal out. Treat it as such.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble on online pokies. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in gambling activities.
If you are under 18, please do not access any gambling websites or services. If you are aware of a young person gambling, please encourage them to seek help or contact the support services listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly and affect your finances, relationships, and mental health. Ask yourself honestly if any of these warning signs apply to you:
- I spend more time and money on pokies than I intended
- I feel anxious or irritable when I cannot gamble
- I chase losses by gambling more to try to win back money I've lost
- I hide my gambling from family, friends, or partners
- I gamble to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- I have borrowed money or used credit to fund gambling
- I have neglected work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- I have tried unsuccessfully to cut back or stop gambling
- I feel depressed, anxious, or suicidal because of my gambling
If you recognise any of these signs, seek help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable online pokies operators offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you are willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during your gaming session to help you track time and spending
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling websites and services
- Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period of time
- Account Closure: Permanently close your gambling account if you wish to stop
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you stay in control.
Support Organizations in New Zealand & Internationally
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations offer free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa New Zealand: Support meetings and peer help across NZ.
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Hiringa Manhaere): Free counselling, support groups, and resources.
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free call)
Website: www.pgf.nz - 1st Contact Gambling Helpline: Free, confidential telephone counselling.
Phone: 0800 322 422 (free call)
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom & Europe): 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
Take Action Today
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for help. Speaking to someone is the first step towards recovery.
- Call the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 654 655 (free) to speak with a counsellor
- Visit www.pgf.nz for online support resources
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
- Use the self-exclusion tools available on gambling websites
Recovery is possible. You are not alone. Help is available now.