Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with a built-in house edge, meaning the odds always favour the casino in the long term. Never view gambling as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only available to players aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you must not participate in any online gambling activities. Licensed operators are legally required to verify your age before allowing access to gaming platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online casinos offer the following responsible gambling features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log you out after a set period of play
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications during play reminding you of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to maintain control of your gambling activity.
Support Organizations & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) - Free confidential support and counselling for problem gambling
Phone: 0800 664 262 (toll-free)
Website: www.problemgambling.nz - Gambling Helpline - 24/7 support
Phone: 0800 654 655 (toll-free)
International Resources
- UK - GamCare - Free advice and support for problem gamblers
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - UK - GamStop - National self-exclusion scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Australia - Gambling Help Online - Counselling and support services
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Canada - Responsible Gambling Council - Evidence-based resources and support
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - USA - National Council on Problem Gambling - Helpline and referral services
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, reach out for help today. Speaking to a counsellor or support service is confidential and free. Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible with support.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.problemgambling.nz
This page was last updated in 2026. Information about support services and responsible gaming tools is provided as a guide. Please verify current contact details and services directly with organisations listed above.