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 playing can be fun and exciting, it's important to understand that the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble to recover losses or escape personal problems.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, please do not use this website or engage in online gambling. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor young people's internet activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties caused by gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the stake amounts you can place on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders at regular intervals about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Timeouts: Set an automatic logout after a predetermined period
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites when you need a break
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to support responsible gaming habits.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free and confidential support is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) – Free, confidential support and counselling
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz - Gambling Helpline – 24/7 support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Text: 4282 - Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand – Emotional support
Phone: 1800 726 666
Website: www.samaritans.org.nz
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: 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 else, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance.
Remember: Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can regain control of your life.
This responsible gaming information is provided for educational purposes. plants-direct.co.nz is committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling practices. If you have questions about responsible gaming or need support, please contact the organisations listed above.