Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Silverline Otago, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and play online pokies in New Zealand. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and complying with all local laws and regulations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
- Gambling with money meant for essential expenses (rent, food, bills)
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Being unable to control or reduce your gambling
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing sleep problems or health issues related to gambling stress
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out: Take a short break from gaming for a set period (hours or days)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing gaming platforms for an extended period (weeks, months, or years)
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) – Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gambling in New Zealand. www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline – Free phone counselling service: 0800 654 655 (available 24/7)
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help? Reach Out Today
If you're struggling with gambling, remember that help is available and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can take control of your situation.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation or Gambling Helpline today – it's free and confidential.