Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always play within your means and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, it’s time to stop and seek help.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years or older to gamble online, including mobile pokies. Land-based casinos require players to be 20 years or older. It is illegal for underage individuals to gamble. We encourage all users to verify their age and identity with licensed operators, and to use parental controls where available.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, please take action:
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money you have lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essentials
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when not gambling
- Lying about time or money spent on pokies
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships because of gambling
- Being unable to stop or cut down despite wanting to
Self-Help Tools
Most licensed online casinos offer practical tools to help you stay in control. These include:
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Reality checks — receive reminders of how long you have been playing
- Session time limits — restrict the length of each gaming session
- Self-exclusion — block access to your account for a chosen period
- Cooling-off periods — take a short break from gambling
Use these tools proactively. If you feel you are losing control, self-exclude immediately.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know needs help, contact a professional support service. These organisations are free, confidential, and available in your region.
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline New Zealand — 0800 654 655 — www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- PGF Group (Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand) — www.pgf.nz
International Support
- 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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — www.bzga.de
Seek Help Now
If you think you have a gambling problem, please do not wait. Reach out to one of the organisations above today. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You are not alone — recovery is possible.