Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means.

Set a budget you can afford to lose, play for entertainment purposes only, and never gamble with money needed for essentials like rent, bills, or food.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to play online pokies in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online.

All reputable online casinos verify player age and identity before allowing access to gaming platforms. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to create an account.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour? If so, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or loved ones
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or negative emotions
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same level of excitement
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, study, family, or other responsibilities due to gambling
• Lying to others about how much time or money you spend on gambling
• Feeling that gambling is your only way out of financial or personal difficulties

If you identify with several of these warning signs, please reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features

Most responsible online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a set period
• Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum bet amount per spin or game
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Time-Outs: Take a temporary break from your account (hours or days) without full closure
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from your account for a set period or permanently
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you need to stop gambling entirely

Use these tools proactively to keep your gaming enjoyable and within safe limits.

Support Organizations

If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted support organizations:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) – Free, confidential support
  www.problemgambling.nz
  Free call: 0800 664 262
• Gamblers Anonymous NZ – Peer support meetings
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz

International Support

• Australia – Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• UK – GamCare
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• UK – GamStop (Self-Exclusion Scheme)
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• USA – National Council on Problem Gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org

All of these organisations offer free, confidential support and do not judge. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If You Need Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please seek help today. Support is available 24/7, and recovery is possible.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation immediately:
Free call: 0800 664 262
Website: www.problemgambling.nz

Remember: gambling should always be fun. If it's causing stress, financial problems, or affecting your relationships, it's time to stop and seek support.

This responsible gaming information is provided as a guide. aasanadayspa.com encourages all players to gamble responsibly and within their means. For the most up-to-date information on problem gambling support in New Zealand, please visit the Problem Gambling Foundation website.