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. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means.
Remember: the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, or food.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are strictly for players aged 18 years and older. If you are under 18, you must not access or use online gaming services.
By using zontascience.org.nz and any linked gaming platforms, you confirm that you are of legal age to gamble in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, problem gambling may be affecting your life:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much time and money you spend
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gaming
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Losing control over the amount of money or time spent gambling
- Attempted unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop gambling
- Jeopardizing relationships, education, or employment opportunities
If any of these apply to you, help is available. Please reach out to a support organisation listed below.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept
- Time Limits: Restrict the amount of time you can spend gaming in each session
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing gaming services
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gaming for a set period
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you maintain control and enjoy gaming responsibly.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (New Zealand): Free, confidential support
Phone: 0800 654 655 (24/7)
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Samaritans New Zealand: For emotional support and crisis assistance
Phone: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7) - Problem Gambling Foundation: Support, information, and resources
Website: www.problemgambling.nz
International Support
- 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 (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, please reach out to one of the organisations above.
Remember:
- Support is confidential and free
- Professional counsellors are trained to help without judgment
- Recovery is possible with the right support
- You don't have to face this alone
Contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ) today: 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Important Disclaimer
zontascience.org.nz is committed to promoting responsible gaming. The information provided on this page is for educational purposes. If you choose to gamble online, do so only with licensed and regulated operators. Always verify that any gaming platform holds the appropriate New Zealand gaming licenses and complies with local regulations.