Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, pay debts, or solve financial problems. Mobile pokies are designed for fun, but it’s important to stay in control. Set limits before you start, and never chase losses.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be at least 18 years old to play online pokies or gamble on most forms. For land-based casinos, the minimum age is 20. Underage gambling is illegal. We encourage all users to verify their age and use only licensed, regulated platforms that enforce age checks.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following 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 pokies than you intended
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or neglecting bills to gamble
• Lying about how much you gamble or how often
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
• Neglecting work, study, family, or social commitments because of gambling

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online pokies sites and casinos offer tools to help you stay in control. Use these features whenever you play:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month
• Loss limits — cap how much you can lose in a set period
• Reality checks — receive reminders of how long you’ve been playing
• Time-out periods — take a short break from gambling for 24 hours, a week, or longer
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling sites for a set period or permanently

Set these limits before you start playing, and adjust them only after careful thought — never in the heat of the moment.

Support Organisations in New Zealand

If you’re worried about your own gambling or someone else’s, free and confidential help is available:

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand — call 0800 654 655 (24/7, free) or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) — call 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz
• Asian Family Services — culturally appropriate support, call 0800 862 342 or visit www.asianfamilyservices.nz
• Mapu Maia — Pacific gambling support, call 0800 21 21 22 or visit www.mapumaia.nz

Need Help Now?

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seeking help is a sign of strength — not weakness. Contact the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz for live chat and self-help resources.

Remember: gambling is entertainment. If it stops being fun, it’s time to stop.