Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online pokies should only be played as a form of entertainment with money you can afford to lose. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always play for fun, within your means, and with the understanding that the house has a mathematical edge.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services. It is illegal for operators to provide gambling services to minors.

Absoluterubbish.co.nz is committed to age verification and responsible operator practices.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
• Gambling for longer periods or with larger amounts than intended
• Unable to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to
• Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Experiencing relationship or financial problems due to gambling

Self-Help Tools & Gambling Limits

Most reputable online pokies operators offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose
• Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks during gambling sessions
• Reality Checks: Pop-up notifications showing your session duration and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites

Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling behaviour.

Support Organizations & Help Services

If you or someone you know needs support with problem gambling, the following organisations offer free, confidential help:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) – www.problemgambling.org.nz – Call 0800 664 262 (free phone line)
• Gambling Helpline – 0800 664 262 – Available 24/7 with trained counsellors
• Samaritans NZ – www.samaritans.org.nz – 0800 726 666 (emotional support)

International Support Services

• GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk – Confidential support and self-help tools
• GamStop (UK) – www.gamstop.co.uk – National 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

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today

Problem gambling is treatable. You don't have to face it alone. If you're struggling with gambling or are concerned about your habits, please reach out to one of the support services listed above. Speaking to a counsellor is confidential, non-judgmental, and completely free.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.problemgambling.org.nz for immediate support.