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 pokies can be fun, it's important to understand that the house always has an edge, and you should never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
At Pet Guardian Network, we're committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming practices for all our visitors.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are only available to players aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to participate in gambling activities. If you are under 18, please do not access online pokie websites.
Licensed operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing access to their platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you notice any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Neglecting family, work, education, or other important responsibilities
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Relationship conflicts due to gambling habits
- Experiencing physical symptoms such as sleep disruption or changes in appetite
Self-Help Tools & Strategies
Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
- Session Limits: Set time limits for your gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders during play to inform you of how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites
- Cool-Off Periods: Take planned breaks from gambling to reassess your habits
Most licensed online pokie operators in New Zealand are required to provide these tools to their players.
Support Organizations & Help Services
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Here are organizations that can provide support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: Call 0800 654 655 (free, confidential, 24/7) or visit www.gamblinghelp.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz
- Samaritans NZ: Call 1737 (free call or text, 24/7)
International Support Services
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom - GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom - GamStop (Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States - National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Please reach out today. Seeking help for problem gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or that of someone you care about, trained counsellors are available to provide confidential, non-judgmental support.
Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 (24/7) or visit www.gamblinghelp.nz for immediate assistance.
Pet Guardian Network is committed to responsible gaming. The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. Please gamble responsibly and within your means. If you have concerns about your gambling, please seek professional help immediately.