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. Like any form of entertainment, gambling carries risks and should only be done with money you can afford to lose.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Set limits, stick to them, and remember that the house always has a mathematical edge.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only available to persons aged 18 years and over. By accessing online pokies, you confirm that you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction.
If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services. Parents and guardians should take steps to prevent underage access to gambling platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins and losses
- Difficulty cutting back or stopping gambling despite wanting to
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Limit-Setting
Most reputable 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 are willing to lose
- Stake Limits: Restrict the amount you can wager per spin or session
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications to remind you how long you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logout after a certain period
Use these tools proactively. Many players find that setting strict limits before they begin helps prevent problem gambling.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Please reach out to these organisations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) — Free, confidential support for problem gambling in New Zealand. Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.pgf.nz
- Gamblers Anonymous (New Zealand) — Support group meetings and peer assistance | Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom: GamStop (Self-Exclusion Service) — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If gambling is causing you problems or affecting your wellbeing, please contact one of the organisations above. Support is confidential, free, and available to everyone in New Zealand.
Remember: It's never too late to ask for help, and recovery is possible with the right support.
This responsible gaming information is provided as a guide. Stevensonengineering.co.nz encourages all users to gamble responsibly and within their means. The information provided does not constitute professional advice. For professional help with problem gambling, please contact the Problem Gambling Foundation or your local healthcare provider.