Responsible Gambling: Staying in Control
At PokiesOnline.co, we believe that playing online pokies should always be a form of entertainment—never a way to generate income or escape personal problems.
While most New Zealanders enjoy gaming as a fun social activity, we recognize that it can become a challenge for some. This page provides the tools and resources necessary to ensure your gaming remains safe, sustainable, and fun.
The Golden Rules of Safe Play
To maintain a healthy relationship with gaming, we recommend following these four principles:
- Don’t Chase Losses: Never try to win back money you have already lost. This usually leads to bigger losses.
- Set a Budget: Only play with money you can afford to lose (your “entertainment budget”).
- Take Breaks: Don’t let gaming interfere with your daily responsibilities, sleep, or family time.
- Know the Odds: Understand that pokies are games of chance. There is no “strategy” that can guarantee a win.
Is Your Gaming Still Fun? (Self-Assessment)
If you are unsure whether your gambling is becoming a problem, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you ever lied to family members about how much you spend on pokies?
- Do you feel the need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same “rush”?
- Have you ever skipped work or social events to play online?
- Do you feel irritable or restless when you are not playing?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these, we encourage you to reach out for free, confidential support below.
Tools for Protection
We only recommend platforms that offer robust harm minimisation tools. We encourage all our readers to utilize:
- Deposit Limits: Cap your spending daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Time-Outs: Take a short break from your account (24 hours to 6 weeks).
- Self-Exclusion: A permanent or long-term block from the platform.
- Reality Checks: On-screen notifications that tell you how long you have been playing.
Where to Get Help in New Zealand
Aotearoa has world-class support systems for those affected by gambling harm. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
1. Gambling Helpline NZ
- Call: 0800 654 655
- Text: 8006
- Website: www.gamblinghelpline.org.nz
2. Safer Gambling NZ
A comprehensive resource for information on how to help yourself or a loved one.
- Website: www.safergambling.org.nz
3. PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation)
Offering professional counseling and support groups across New Zealand.
- Website: www.pgf.nz
4. Salvation Army Oasis
Specialist support for those experiencing gambling-related harm.
- Website: www.salvationarmy.org.nz/oasis
Our Commitment
As part of our Editorial Policy, PokiesOnline.co regularly audits the sites we feature to ensure they adhere to NZ’s evolving safety standards. We do not target our content toward minors (R18+) or individuals showing signs of gambling distress.
Address: 4 Williamson Avenue, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
