Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution

Online pokies should be enjoyed purely as entertainment. They are games of chance with a house edge, meaning the odds always favour the casino over time. Never view gambling as a way to make money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to recover losses or escape difficulties, it's time to seek help.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally online. Online casinos have a legal obligation to verify your age and identity before allowing play. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling websites.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Be honest with yourself. If you recognise any of these signs, you may have a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses – gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
• Hiding or lying about your gambling activity from family and friends
• Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Increasing the amount you gamble to get the same excitement
• Neglecting work, school, or relationships due to gambling
• Borrowing money or using credit cards to fund gambling
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or anxiety
• Experiencing financial hardship as a result of gambling

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a session
• Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent extended play
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders showing your session duration and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing your account
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you need to stop gambling entirely

Use these tools proactively. They are free and designed to protect you.

Support Organizations – Get Help Now

If you're struggling with gambling, professional support is available. Here are trusted organisations that can help:

New Zealand

• Gambling Commission – Problem Gambling Services
  Free, confidential support for New Zealanders affected by problem gambling
  Phone: 0800 654 655 (24/7)
  Website: www.gamblingcommission.govt.nz
• Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand
  Crisis support and counselling
  Phone: 1737 (24/7, free call/text)
  Website: www.1737.org.nz

Australia (Regional Support)

• Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

United Kingdom (Regional Support)

• GamCare
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
  www.gamstop.co.uk

Other International Resources

• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling is treatable. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or worried about someone else, support is available:

• Contact a support organisation listed above – they're free and confidential
• Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
• Use self-exclusion tools immediately if you feel out of control
• Consider counselling or therapy to address underlying issues

Don't wait. Help is just a phone call away.