Responsible gambling in New Zealand

Pokies are built so that the game keeps a share of all stakes over time. No system changes that. Treat any deposit as money spent on entertainment, not as a way to earn.

Free help, day and night

• Gambling Helpline: call 0800 654 655 or text 8006. The service describes itself as 24 hour, free.
• Māori Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 656
• Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 657
• Gambling Debt Helpline: 0800 654 658
• Youth Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 659
• gamblinghelpline.co.nz and safergambling.org.nz have chat, self-checks and local services.

Numbers copied from gamblinghelpline.co.nz on 4 Oct 2026.

Age

The legal age for online casino gambling is 18. Licensed operators will have to verify it before you can play.

Limits that work

• Set a deposit limit in the casino account before the first deposit, not after a loss.
• Decide the session length before you start and use a phone timer.
• Never chase. A loss is the price of the session, not a debt the game owes you.
• Keep gambling money apart from rent, bills and savings.
• Try the game as a free demo first. Often that is enough.

Signs to stop

Hiding play from family. Borrowing to play. Playing to win back yesterday. Feeling restless when you cannot play. If any of these fit, call the helpline. It is free and confidential.

Blocking yourself

Every casino account has a self-exclusion setting; ask support if you cannot find it. The helpline can also explain exclusion from venues and other tools available in New Zealand.