Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Safe Gaming
At nzyouthawards.org.nz, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you choose to gamble, please do so responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only available to individuals aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under this age to gamble online. All licensed operators are required to verify the age of players before allowing access to gaming services.
If you are under 18, please do not proceed with gambling activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately:
- Gambling with larger amounts of money than intended
- Spending more time gambling than planned
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time/money spent
- Neglecting family, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gambling operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose within a set timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling services
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic time-outs to prevent extended gaming sessions
We encourage you to use these tools to maintain control over your gambling habits.
Support Organizations in New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand Support Services
- Gambling Helpline (New Zealand): Free, confidential support available 24/7
Phone: 0800 654 655 | Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa New Zealand): Specialising in support and treatment
Phone: 09 302 5600 | Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz - Samaritans: Emotional support and crisis intervention
Phone: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7)
International Support Resources
- 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
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're experiencing mild concerns or serious difficulties, professional support can make a real difference. The organisations listed above offer:
- Free and confidential counselling
- Professional treatment options
- Support for family members affected by problem gambling
- Self-exclusion programs and recovery resources
Don't hesitate to reach out. Help is available right now.
This information is provided for harm reduction purposes. If you choose to gamble, please do so responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. Remember: gambling should always be entertainment, never a financial solution.