Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement designed to protect young people from the risks of gambling.
If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services. If you are concerned about a young person's gambling, contact the relevant support organisation listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know?
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Lying about the amount of money spent on gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or cope with stress
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like rent or food
If you experience any of these signs, professional support is available and can help.
Self-Help Tools & Safety Features
Most responsible online gambling platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logout times to limit playing duration
- Take a Break: Use cooling-off periods to step away from gambling
Use these tools proactively to maintain control of your gambling habits.
Support & Help Resources for New Zealand
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. These organisations offer free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call)
Website: www.pgf.nz
Email: [email protected]
Offers free counselling, support groups, and resources for problem gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand. - Gambling Helpline Aotearoa
Phone: 0800 006 886 (free call)
Available 24/7 with trained counsellors ready to listen and help.
International Support (if accessing services from other countries)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk or GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you think you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please reach out for help now. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can regain control.
Contact Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz
Gambling can be harmful. Please gamble responsibly.