Responsible Gambling

I take responsible gambling seriously. While I review online pokies sites and share my experiences, I also recognise that gambling carries real risks. Pokies are designed to be entertaining, but they should never be treated as a way to make money or solve financial problems.

Warning Signs

Gambling can become a problem when it stops being fun. If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try and win back money
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, stressed, or irritable when not gambling
• Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities because of gambling
• Lying to friends or family about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness or depression
• Feeling the need to bet larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement

Protecting Yourself

Before you play, set clear limits on how much time and money you're willing to spend. Stick to those limits regardless of whether you're winning or losing. Here are practical steps I recommend:

• Set deposit limits — Every reputable pokies site lets you set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps in your account settings. I encourage you to use these tools.
• Set session time limits — Many sites offer session reminders that alert you after a set period of play. Enable these to maintain awareness of how long you've been playing.
• Never chase losses — If you've hit your limit for the day, stop. Walking away is always the right decision when you've reached your pre-set boundary.
• Don't gamble under the influence — Alcohol and other substances impair judgement and can lead to decisions you wouldn't otherwise make.
• Keep gambling separate from finances — Only gamble with money you've specifically set aside for entertainment. Never use rent money, bill money, or emergency funds.

Self-Exclusion

If you feel you need a break from gambling, every casino I review offers self-exclusion tools. These allow you to temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing your account. Self-exclusion periods typically range from 24 hours to permanent closure, depending on the site.

In New Zealand, you can also apply for a Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE) through the Department of Internal Affairs, which covers physical gambling venues. For online sites, self-exclusion must be requested directly with each operator.

New Zealand Support Resources

Several organisations in New Zealand provide free, confidential support for anyone affected by problem gambling:

• Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7) or text 8006
• Problem Gambling Foundation: pgf.nz — face-to-face counselling and support services
• Ministry of Health: health.govt.nz — gambling harm prevention resources
• Department of Internal Affairs: dia.govt.nz — gambling regulation and compliance

For Friends and Family

If someone close to you is struggling with gambling, the Gambling Helpline NZ also offers support for friends and family members. You can call 0800 654 655 for advice on how to help someone you're concerned about, without needing their permission or involvement.

Gambling should always remain a form of entertainment. If it stops being fun, please reach out for help.