Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Way to Make Money
At Wintec Innovate, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming. Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only—not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself struggling to control your gaming habits, help is available.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use online pokies services in New Zealand. If you are under the legal age limit, you are not permitted to gamble. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the extent of your gambling
- Neglecting family, work, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same level of excitement
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Relationship conflicts related to gambling
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Options
Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend per day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up at regular intervals to remind you how long you've been playing
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from your account for a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from accessing your account
Always use these tools if you feel your gambling may be becoming problematic.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you need help, support is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:
New Zealand & Pacific Region:
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): Free counselling and support services for problem gamblers and their families in New Zealand. Website: www.problemgambling.nz
- Gamblers Anonymous (NZ): Peer support meetings for people struggling with gambling addiction. Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support:
- GamCare (UK): Free, confidential support for problem gamblers. www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): Free counselling and support. www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): Research and resources for problem gambling. www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): Help line and treatment referrals. www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please seek help immediately. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organizations listed above offer free, confidential support and can connect you with professional treatment options.
Remember: It's never too late to ask for help.