Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Baker Douglas, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed purely as entertainment. Gambling is not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never see it as an investment or income source.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are only available to players aged 18 years and over. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before playing.
If you are under 18, please do not use any online gaming services. Parents and guardians should be aware of the risks and monitor young people's online activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, help is available:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back 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 or irritable when unable to gamble
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Neglecting relationships, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos and pokies sites offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you can lose during a session
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders during play about how long you've been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gaming platforms
- Session Time Limits: Automatically close your account after a set period
Use these tools to manage your gambling and maintain control over your habits.
Support & Help Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional support is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 352 352 (Free, confidential, 24/7) – www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Samaritans: 1737 022 338 – www.samaritans.org.nz
International Support
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
- 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 Need Help, Reach Out Today
You are not alone. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available 24/7 in New Zealand through the Gambling Helpline at 0800 352 352.
Counsellors are trained, confidential, and non-judgmental. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or someone else's, calling is a positive first step towards recovery.
Play safely. Gamble responsibly. Seek help if you need it.