Responsible Gambling in New Zealand

At OnlinePokiesnz.nz, we believe gambling should be entertaining, not harmful. This page provides resources, information, and tools to help you gamble responsibly.

Gambling Should Be Fun

Online pokies are designed for entertainment. When gambling stops being fun and starts causing problems in your life, it’s time to take action.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Ask yourself these questions honestly:

– Do you gamble with money you can’t afford to lose?
– Have you lied to family or friends about your gambling?
– Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve anxiety?
– Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gambling?
– Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down?
– Have you neglected work, family, or other responsibilities to gamble?
– Do you chase losses by gambling more?
– Have gambling debts caused financial problems?

If you answered “yes” to one or more questions, you may have a gambling problem. I can tell you that help is available.

Get Help Now – New Zealand Resources

National Gambling Helpline
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free, confidential, 24/7)
Text: 8006
Website: https://www.gamblinghelp.co.nz

Problem Gambling Foundation
Website: https://www.pgf.nz
Email: info@pgf.nz
Services: Free face-to-face counseling across NZ

The Salvation Army Oasis
Phone: 0800 OASIS (0800 627 474)
Website: https://oasis.org.nz
Services: Budget advice, gambling counseling

Gamblers Anonymous New Zealand
Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
Services: Support group meetings nationwide

Depression Helpline (if gambling affects mental health)
Phone: 0800 111 757
Text: 4202

Self-Help Tools

Set Your Limits Before You Play

Time Limits:
– Decide how long you’ll play BEFORE starting
– Set a phone alarm
– Take regular breaks (15 minutes every hour)

Money Limits:
– Only gamble with disposable income
– Never gamble with money for bills, rent, or groceries
– Set a deposit limit and stick to it
– Accept losses – don’t chase them

Use Casino Tools

onlinepokiesnz.nz ONLY lists reputable online casinos that offer responsible gambling tools:

Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps
Loss Limits: Limit how much you can lose in a time period
Session Limits: Automatic logout after a set time
Reality Checks: Pop-up reminders showing time and money spent
Cool-Off Periods: Temporary breaks (24 hours to 6 weeks)
Self-Exclusion: Close your account for a minimum of 6 months

The Reality of Pokies

Understanding House Edge

All pokies have a built-in house edge, meaning the casino always has a mathematical advantage over time. This is how casinos make money.

Example: A pokie with 96% RTP (Return to Player) means:
– For every $100 wagered, the game returns $96 on average
– The casino keeps $4
– Individual sessions vary, but long-term the house always wins

RNG – Random Number Generator

Pokies use RNG technology, meaning:
– Every spin is completely random
– Past spins don’t influence future spins
– There’s no way to “predict” or “beat” the system
– “Hot” or “cold” machines don’t exist

Myths vs. Reality

MYTH: “I’m due for a win after losing.”
REALITY: Each spin is independent. Past results don’t affect future spins.

MYTH: “If I keep playing, I’ll win back my losses.”
REALITY: This is “chasing losses” and leads to bigger losses.

MYTH: “I have a system to beat the pokies.”
REALITY: No system can overcome the house edge. RNG ensures randomness.

Protecting Minors

Gambling is strictly for adults 18+ in New Zealand.

Parents/Guardians:
– Keep payment details secure
– Monitor device usage
– Use parental controls
– Discuss gambling risks with teenagers
– Set a good example with your own gambling

Operators:
– All casinos we recommend have strict age verification
– We report any casino allowing underage gambling

Financial Help

If gambling has created financial problems:

Financial Mentoring:
– Free budgeting advice: 0508 228 343
– MoneyTalks: https://www.moneytalks.co.nz

Debt Management:
– Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 367 222
– Community Law Centres: https://communitylaw.org.nz

Our Commitment

OnlinePokiesnz.nz is committed to promoting responsible gambling:

– We include responsible gambling information on every casino review
– We highlight casinos with strong player protection tools
– We provide prominent links to help resources
– We will never promote irresponsible gambling behavior
– We support New Zealand’s upcoming gambling reforms

Take a Break

If you need a break from gambling:
1. Self-exclude from all casinos you’re registered with
2. Block gambling sites using software like GamBlock or Bet Blocker
3. Seek support from the resources listed above
4. Focus on other activities – reconnect with hobbies, friends, and family

Remember: There’s no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and recovery is possible.

If you’re in crisis, call the National Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655