Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with unpredictable outcomes. Never view gambling as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and losses are always a possibility.
Gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits before you start playing.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only available to players aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to gamble or open an account at any licensed online casino or pokie venue.
If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gambling, please seek advice from support services listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these apply to you? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with larger amounts of money than planned
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Lying to others about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, family, or hobbies due to gambling
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences
- Feeling unable to stop or control your gambling
If you recognise any of these signs, it's time to seek help. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Options
Most licensed online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a set timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose
- Betting Limits: Control the maximum stake per spin or bet
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours or days)
- Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from a casino or multiple casinos for a fixed or indefinite period
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you and help maintain gambling as entertainment, not a financial strategy.
Support Services for New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available:
New Zealand Specific Services
- Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Free phone: 0800 654 655
Free text: 8393
Email: info@gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Available 24/7, confidential and free counselling - Problem Gambling Foundation
Website: www.problemgambling.nz
Provides resources, information, and support for problem gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand
International Support Services
If you're accessing services from other countries, these organisations also provide support:
- GamCare (United Kingdom) — www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom) — www.gamstop.co.uk (Multi-operator self-exclusion)
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) — www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) — www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. You don't have to struggle alone. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or someone else's, professional support is available and completely confidential.
Call the Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7, free)
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get back on track.