Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with outcomes determined by random number generators. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always play within your means.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. All players must verify their age and identity when registering with an online casino. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor young people's internet activity and discuss the risks of gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
- Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling habits
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer the following tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you are willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Session Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
- Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period before re-accessing your account
Use these tools proactively to maintain control of your gambling.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact one of these trusted organisations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): www.pgf.nz | Free helpline: 0800 664 262 | Available 24/7
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
International Resources
- UK - GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- UK - GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (National self-exclusion scheme)
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- US - National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org | Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
These organisations offer free, confidential support and can provide counselling, information, and resources for problem gambling.
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They have trained professionals who can help you:
- Understand your gambling behaviour
- Develop strategies to manage or quit gambling
- Access counselling and support services
- Connect with support groups and communities
The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can regain control. Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) on 0800 664 262 today.
Momosaid.org is committed to promoting responsible gaming. While we provide information about online pokies in New Zealand, we encourage all players to gamble responsibly and within their limits. If you choose to gamble, please do so responsibly.