Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be seen as a form of entertainment — never as a way to make money or solve financial problems. While many people enjoy pokies and other casino games responsibly, it's important to recognise that the odds are designed to favour the house over the long term. The outcome of every spin is random, and there is no strategy that guarantees a win. If you choose to gamble, do so for fun, set clear limits, and never chase your losses.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, the legal age for all forms of gambling, including mobile pokies, is 18 years or older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble, and reputable operators are required to verify your age before allowing you to play. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble. If you suspect an underage person is gambling, report it to the operator or the Department of Internal Affairs.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself honestly if you have experienced any of the following:
- Chasing losses — returning to try to win back money you’ve lost
- Gambling with money you can’t afford to lose, such as rent, bills, or savings
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling
- Feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when trying to cut down or stop
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Thinking about gambling constantly or planning the next session while doing other things
- Increasing bet sizes to feel the same level of excitement
If you recognise one or more of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek support.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable mobile pokies sites in New Zealand offer a range of tools to help you stay in control. We encourage you to use them proactively, even if you don’t think you have a problem.
- Deposit limits – cap how much you can add to your account daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss limits – set a maximum amount you are willing to lose within a given period
- Reality checks – receive pop-up reminders showing how long you’ve been playing and how much you’ve spent
- Time-out / cool-off periods – temporarily block access to your account for 24 hours to several weeks
- Self-exclusion – permanently or semi-permanently close your account for a chosen period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime)
- Activity statements – review your full gambling history to see your actual wins and losses
To use these tools, visit the “Responsible Gaming” or “My Account” section of your chosen operator. If a site does not offer any responsible gaming options, consider playing elsewhere.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to a professional support service. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in most regions.
- New Zealand: Gambling Helpline New Zealand – www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz | Free call or text 0800 654 655
- New Zealand: PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation) – www.pgf.nz
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom: GamStop (self-exclusion scheme) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
- Other regions: Please search online for your national or local problem gambling support service — most countries have a free helpline or counselling service.
Seek Help Today
If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, please do not wait. Reach out to one of the organisations listed above, speak with a trusted friend or family member, and consider using self-exclusion or cooling-off tools immediately. Gambling problems are treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone — support is available right now.