Responsible Gaming

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always play within your means and never chase losses. If the fun stops, stop playing.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years old to gamble in New Zealand for most forms of gambling, including pokies, and at least 20 years old for casino gambling. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to gamble. Online gambling operators are required to verify your age and identity before allowing you to play.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself if you have experienced any of the following:

• Chasing losses — trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more.
• Hiding your gambling from family or friends.
• Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Spending more than you can afford to lose.
• Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when trying to cut down or stop.
• Being unable to stop or control gambling even when you want to.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable gambling sites offer tools to help you stay in control. Use them before you start playing:

• Deposit limits — cap how much money you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a session or period.
• Reality checks — receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing.
• Time limits — restrict the duration of your gambling sessions.
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from accessing your account for a set period or permanently.
• Cool-off periods — take a short break from gambling for a day, a week, or longer.

Support Organisations in New Zealand

If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else's, contact a free, confidential service today:

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand
  Phone: 0800 654 655
  Free text: 8006
  Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• PGF Group (Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand)
  Website: www.pgf.nz

International Support Services

If you are outside New Zealand, the following national organisations can help:

• UK: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop — www.gamstop.co.uk
• Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
• US: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — www.bzga.de

Seek Help Today

If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, please reach out for support. Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available free of charge and in confidence. You are not alone — taking the first step can make all the difference.