Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While mobile pokies can be enjoyable, it’s important to stay in control. Set limits before you start, never chase losses, and remember that the odds are always in favour of the house. If gambling stops being fun, seek help immediately.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years or older to play pokies online (including mobile pokies) and 20 years or older to enter a land-based casino. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to gamble. Always verify your age and identity when creating an account. If you are underage, do not attempt to gamble.

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, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses – gambling more to try to win back money you’ve lost.
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends.
• Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended.
• Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed about your gambling.
• Lying about how much you gamble or how much you’ve lost.
• Being unable to cut down or stop gambling despite wanting to.
• Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems.

Self-Help Tools

Many reputable online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control. Use these features to manage your gambling:

• 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 set period.
• Reality checks – receive reminders of how long you have been playing.
• Self-exclusion – block yourself from gambling for a set period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or permanently).
• Time-out periods – take a short break from gambling (24 hours to several weeks).

If the casino you use does not offer these tools, consider switching to one that does.

Support Organizations (New Zealand)

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free and confidential help is available. Contact these New Zealand–based services:

• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) – www.pgf.nz – Phone: 0800 664 262
• Gambling Helpline New Zealand – www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz – Phone: 0800 654 655 or free text 8006
• Ministry of Health – Gambling Harm – www.health.govt.nz – information and local services

If you are outside New Zealand, please contact your local responsible gambling service. For example: GamCare (UK), Gambling Help Online (Australia), Responsible Gambling Council (Canada), National Council on Problem Gambling (US), or Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Germany).

Seek Help

If you recognise any warning signs or feel that gambling is no longer just entertainment, please reach out to a support service today. You are not alone, and help is available. Call the Gambling Helpline New Zealand on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz for free, confidential advice.