Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Social Movements Aotearoa, we believe that online pokies and casino games should only ever be viewed as entertainment—similar to going to the movies or playing sports. Gambling should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits on your time and spending before you begin playing.

Age Verification

Online gambling in New Zealand is strictly limited to individuals aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you must not participate in any form of gambling, including online pokies at Sky City or other licensed operators.

It is your responsibility to verify your age and comply with all local laws and regulations. Licensed operators are required to conduct age verification checks during account registration.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
• Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
• Thinking about gambling constantly, even when not playing
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or negative feelings
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Neglecting work, education, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to finance gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems because of gambling
• Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to reduce gambling

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools and Features

Most responsible online casinos and pokies operators offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you're willing to lose in a set timeframe
• Time Limits: Set automatic session timers that remind or disconnect you after a certain period
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders showing how much time and money you've spent during your session
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing your account or the platform
• Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your account if you need to stop gambling

Take advantage of these tools proactively. They are designed to support your responsible gambling habits.

Support Organizations and Helplines

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. In New Zealand and internationally, the following organizations provide free, confidential support:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline (NZ): 0800 654 655 (free phone and text service, available 24/7)
• Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz
• Samaritans NZ: 1800 726 666 (emotional support and crisis assistance)

International Support Services

• GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org

All of these services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free to access.

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling can happen to anyone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please don't wait—contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ) on 0800 654 655 or visit www.pgf.nz for support and resources.

Remember: You are not alone, and recovery is possible with the right support.