Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there is no strategy that can guarantee winnings. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use online pokie services in New Zealand. By using horsesmouth.co.nz and any affiliated gambling websites, you confirm that you meet this legal requirement. If you are under 18, you must not gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be honest with yourself and watch for these warning signs:
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, groceries, medications)
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Feeling unable to stop or cut down on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or low moods
- Neglecting family, work, study, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Relationships suffering because of your gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable online pokie sites offer tools to help you stay in control. Use these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a chosen time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you stop playing
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders to check how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically close your account after a set period of play
- Self-Exclusion: Take a break from gambling by temporarily or permanently excluding yourself from an account
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Always use these tools responsibly and set limits that reflect your entertainment budget.
Support Organisations & Counselling Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact one of these organisations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) – Free, confidential support and counselling
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gambling Helpline – 24/7 support
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free call)
www.gambleaware.co.nz - Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand – Emotional support
Phone: 1 800 726 666 (24 hours)
International Support
- United Kingdom – GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk - United Kingdom – GamStop (Self-Exclusion Scheme)
www.gamstop.co.uk - Australia – Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org - United States – National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
All of these services offer free, confidential support. Speaking to someone does not mean you are weak – it is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, or if someone close to you is affected, please seek help today. The earlier you reach out, the better. Support is available 24/7, and all conversations are confidential.
You are not alone. Help is available right now.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz