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 play responsibly and within your means. Remember: the odds always favour the house, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. All online pokies platforms require age verification. If you are under 18, or if you have concerns about a young person's gambling, please seek support immediately.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following warning signs, you may have a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Hiding your gambling activities from friends, family, or partners
• Neglecting work, study, family, or personal responsibilities
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Lying about the amount of money spent on gambling
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
• Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling

If you've ticked any of these boxes, it's time to take action and seek help.

Self-Help Tools & Limits

Most reputable online pokies operators offer responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
• Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum bet size per spin
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an operator's site
• Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period

Use these tools proactively. They're designed to help you maintain control and enjoy gaming responsibly.

Support & Help Organizations

If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact one of these organisations:

New Zealand

• Gambling Harm Minimisation Support (Healthpoint): Call 0800 654 654 for free counselling and support services across New Zealand
• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF): www.pgf.nz – Information, resources, and support for problem gambling in Aotearoa

International Resources

• GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk – Counselling and support for problem gambling
• GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme for UK gambling operators
• Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Free counselling and information
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org – Resources and support
• National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org – Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Germany): Information on responsible gambling and addiction support

Take Action Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and support is available. There is no shame in seeking assistance—many people have successfully recovered with professional support.

Remember: your wellbeing is more important than any win. Play responsibly, set limits, and enjoy online pokies as entertainment only.

Call the Healthpoint helpline on 0800 654 654 for confidential support right now.