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. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. All players using breakthroughforum.co.nz must verify their age. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate in online pokies or any form of gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
• Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
• Gambling longer or with more money than intended
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or stressed when not gambling
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts for the same excitement
• Failed attempts to control, reduce, or stop gambling
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Most reputable online gambling operators offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept
• Session Time Limits: Restrict how long you can play in one session
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
• Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period

Use these tools to maintain control and protect your wellbeing. Ask your gaming operator if these options are available.

Support Organizations for New Zealand

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please contact one of these organizations:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline (NZ) — Free, confidential support
  • Phone: 0800 654 655 (toll-free)
  • Text: 8393
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: www.gamblingsupport.org.nz
  • Available 24/7
• Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ)
  • Phone: 09 303 2500
  • Website: www.pgf.nz

International Support

• GamCare (UK) — www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK) — www.gamstop.co.uk (self-exclusion scheme)
• Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) — www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) — www.ncpgambling.org

Get Help Today

If you're struggling with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling is a real issue, but support is available. You are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for assistance. Contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ) on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblingsupport.org.nz to speak with a trained counselor today.

Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it's not, it's time to get help.