Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. There is no guaranteed way to win, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essentials like rent, bills, or food.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use online pokie services in New Zealand. If you are under 18, please do not proceed. We take age verification seriously and comply with all New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs regulations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling a secret from family or friends
- Loss of control: Gambling longer or with more money than planned
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Financial problems: Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Relationship strain: Arguments with loved ones about gambling habits
- Mood changes: Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Tolerance: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Failed attempts to quit: Unable to reduce or stop gambling despite wanting to
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most online pokie platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
- Time-Out/Reality Checks: Receive reminders or automatic breaks during play sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a gambling site
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gambling with a mandatory cooling-off period
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): Free and confidential support
- Phone: 0800 664 262 (toll-free)
- Website: www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): 24/7 confidential support
- Phone: 0800 GAMBLING (0800 425 338)
- Samaritans NZ: Emotional support and crisis assistance
- Phone: 1737 (free call/text, available 24/7)
International Support Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom): National self-exclusion scheme – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out to one of the organizations listed above. They offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental support.
Remember: Recovery is possible, and support is available 24/7 in New Zealand. You are not alone.
This responsible gaming information is provided for educational purposes. Salut.co.nz is committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling practices in compliance with New Zealand gaming regulations. For the most current information on responsible gambling resources, visit the Department of Internal Affairs.