Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet more than you planned.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you are under the legal gambling age, you must not access or use any gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the risks of gambling with young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these warning signs in your behaviour, please seek help immediately:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding or lying about gambling activities and expenses
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Neglecting family, work, study, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, utilities)
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you can lose within a given period
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to limit your playing time
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during play to check how long and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
Take advantage of these features when setting up your account and review your limits regularly.
Support & Helpline Resources for Aotearoa New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, these organisations offer free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline Aotearoa: 0800 352 352 (free call, available 24/7) or www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz – Support services and resources for those affected by problem gambling
International Support (if accessing from abroad)
- Australia – Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom – GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom – GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (National self-exclusion scheme)
- Canada – Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States – National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If gambling is affecting your life, your relationships, or your finances, please reach out for help now. There is no shame in seeking support—trained counsellors are available to listen and assist you. Contact the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 352 352 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz for confidential support.
Your wellbeing matters. Help is available and recovery is possible.
This information is provided for harm reduction purposes. kbconstruction.co.nz is committed to responsible gambling practices. If you choose to gamble, please do so responsibly and within your means.