Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution

At Tiakina, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only—never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there's no guaranteed way to win.

If you choose to play, do so within your means and with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to access online gaming services in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement under the Gambling Act 2003.

If you are under 18, please do not use online pokie platforms. Gambling at a young age can lead to serious harm and problem gambling later in life.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do any of these apply to you? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essential expenses
• Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Spending more time or money on gambling than planned
• Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Protective Measures

Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on the amount you can deposit
• Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose within a set timeframe
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during play sessions to help you track time and spending
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent extended play
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling

Use these tools proactively—they're designed to protect your wellbeing.

Support & Help Organizations in New Zealand & Beyond

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, support is available:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
  Free, confidential support for problem gambling
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.pgf.nz
• Gambling Helpline NZ
  24/7 confidential counselling
  Phone: 0800 006 886
  Free text support available

International Support

• Australia – Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• United Kingdom – GamCare
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• United Kingdom – GamStop (Self-Exclusion Register)
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or someone else's, professional counsellors are available to listen without judgment.

Don't wait—contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz today.

Remember: Gambling should enhance your entertainment, never compromise your wellbeing, relationships, or financial security.