Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or escape financial difficulties. Mobile pokies are designed to be fun and enjoyable, but it’s essential to play responsibly and within your means. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming more than just a pastime, please take a moment to review the information below and seek help if needed.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age for gambling in your jurisdiction, which is 20 for land-based casinos in New Zealand) to participate in any form of gambling. We strongly encourage you to verify your age before engaging with any mobile pokies or casino-related content. Underage gambling is illegal and can have serious consequences.

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 support:

• Chasing losses — trying to win back money you’ve lost by gambling more.
• Hiding gambling activity from friends or family.
• Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended.
• Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed about your gambling.
• Lying about how often or how much you gamble.
• Being unable to stop or cut back despite repeated attempts.

Self-Help Tools

Many reputable gambling platforms offer practical tools to help you stay in control. If you choose to gamble, consider using the following features where available:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month.
• Loss limits — cap the amount you are willing to lose within a set period.
• Reality checks — receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and your spending.
• Self-exclusion — temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing a gambling site or venue.
• Time-out periods — take a short break from gambling for 24 hours to several weeks.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. These organisations provide free, confidential support.

New Zealand (Primary Resources)

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand — Call free on 0800 654 655 or text 8006. Available 24/7.
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF Group) — Free counselling and support services.
• Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) — Regulator of gambling in NZ, including information on harm minimisation.

International Resources (For Other Jurisdictions)

• UK: GamCare and GamStop
• Australia: Gambling Help Online
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)

Call to Action

If you feel that gambling is no longer a source of entertainment and is causing harm to your life or the lives of those around you, please seek help today. You are not alone, and support is available. Reach out to Gambling Helpline New Zealand or another trusted organisation listed above. Taking that first step is a sign of strength, not weakness.