Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never chase losses in the hope of winning back what you’ve spent. Set a budget and stick to it, and remember that the outcome of any game is based on chance, not skill.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, the legal gambling age is 18 years or older for most forms of gambling, including pokies, casino games, and sports betting. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. We strongly encourage all players to verify their age before engaging in any gambling activity and to comply with local laws. If you are under 18, please do not access this website or participate in any gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you or someone you know is showing any of the following signs, it may indicate a gambling problem. Please take these seriously and seek help if needed.

• Chasing losses – continuing to gamble to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding gambling – lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Gambling with essential funds – using money meant for rent, bills, food, or other necessities.
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Neglecting responsibilities – ignoring work, study, or family obligations due to gambling.
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems.
• Repeated failed attempts to stop or control gambling.
• Lying about losses or downplaying the extent of gambling activity.

Self-Help Tools

Many online casinos and pokies sites offer practical tools to help you stay in control. We encourage you to use these tools proactively:

• Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits – cap the amount you are willing to lose over a certain period.
• Reality checks – pop-up reminders that show how long you have been playing.
• Time-out periods – take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours up to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion – block yourself from a specific site or all participating sites for a set period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or permanently).
• Session limits – set a maximum time for each gambling session.
• Activity statements – review your complete gambling history, including deposits, withdrawals, and time spent.

Support Organizations

If gambling is no longer fun and is causing harm to you or someone you care about, free, confidential help is available. The following organisations offer professional support.

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand – free 24/7 helpline 0800 654 655 or live chat at www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF Group) – call 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz

International Support (for visitors from other countries)

• United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk; GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
• Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org or call/text 1-800-GAMBLER
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de (gambling addiction support)

Seek Help

If you or someone you care about is experiencing problem gambling, please don’t wait. Reach out to a support organisation today. Gambling problems can affect anyone, but help is available, and recovery is possible. Your health, relationships, and financial wellbeing are far more important than any game. Take the first step now.