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 gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it with a responsible mindset and set clear boundaries for yourself.

Remember: the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

Online pokies in New Zealand are strictly regulated and available only to persons aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to play.

It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements before engaging with any online gaming services. By using cvworks.co.nz, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
• Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, food, bills)
• Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Neglecting work, school, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling behaviour
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or anxiety
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features

Most reputable online casinos and gaming operators offer responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
• Time Reminders: Receive notifications after you've been playing for a set amount of time
• Reality Checks: Pop-up messages during play to remind you how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming sites
• Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gaming for a set period without losing your account

Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you maintain control and gamble safely.

Get Help – Support Organisations for New Zealand

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. New Zealand has several excellent support services:

New Zealand Services:

• Gambling Helpline NZ — Free, confidential support 24/7
  Phone: 0800 654 655
  Text: 8393
  Email: [email protected]
  Website: www.gambling.org.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation — Free counselling and support services
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.pgf.nz

International Services (for reference):

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

Take Action Today

If you think you might have a problem with gambling, please reach out for support immediately. There is no shame in asking for help, and trained professionals are available to assist you.

Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gambling.org.nz

Remember: gambling should always be fun and within your means. If it stops being enjoyable or starts causing harm, it's time to seek support.