Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. It's important to understand that all gambling games are games of chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. If you are under 18, please do not proceed. We take responsible gaming seriously and verify the age of all players.
Playing online pokies while underage is illegal and can have serious consequences. If you're under 18, please seek support from a trusted adult or contact the organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount gambled
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Experiencing financial hardship as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most responsible online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or timeframe
- Bet Limits: Restrict the maximum bet amount per spin or game
- Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out (Cool Off): Take a short break from gambling (hours to days)
- Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from gambling sites for a set period or permanently
Use these tools proactively to stay in control of your gambling.
Support Organisations
If you need help or support with problem gambling, contact one of these organisations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Commission (New Zealand): The regulatory body for gambling in New Zealand. Visit www.gamblingcommission.govt.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: Free, confidential support and counselling services. Phone: 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz
- Gamblers Anonymous (NZ): Support meetings and peer assistance. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support (if accessing from outside NZ)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
All support services listed above are free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
Seek Help Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support—many people have recovered and gone on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) today:
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz
Help is available 24/7, and all conversations are confidential.
Important Disclaimer
eresearchnz2021.org.nz is committed to promoting responsible gaming. We strongly encourage all players to gamble within their means and to seek help if gambling becomes a problem. By using our site, you acknowledge that you are 18 years or older and accept responsibility for your gambling decisions.