Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never use gambling as an investment strategy or income source.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling in New Zealand. If you are under 18, you must not access or use any online pokies platforms. It is illegal for operators to provide gambling services to minors.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about time spent gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Increasing amounts of money or time spent gambling to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
- Neglecting work, education, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools
Most responsible gaming platforms provide the following tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Time Limits: Restrict the amount of time you spend gaming in one session
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during play to remind you how long you've been gaming
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organizations in New Zealand
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free helpline and support services
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz - Gambling Helpline (Samaritans) – 24/7 confidential support
Phone: 0800 654 655
International Support Resources
- GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK) – National self-exclusion scheme – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you think you may have a problem with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organisations listed above provide confidential, free assistance with no judgment.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (New Zealand) on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz
This page is intended to promote responsible gambling and reduce potential harms. All information is accurate as of 2026. If you have any concerns about your gambling or that of someone you know, please contact the support organisations listed above.