Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Fish and Friends, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Please play within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only legal for persons aged 18 years and over. We are committed to preventing access by minors. If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the risks of gambling with young people in their care.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount wagered
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other important responsibilities
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Experiencing relationship conflicts due to gambling
- Financial difficulties caused by gambling losses
Self-Help Tools & Limits
Most online gambling operators offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum bet amount per game
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
- Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your account if needed
Take advantage of these tools to play responsibly and within your budget.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) – Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gambling. Visit www.pgf.nz or call 0800 664 262
- Gambling Helpline – 24/7 confidential support. Call 0800 654 655 or text 8393
International Resources
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom: GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. Support is confidential, non-judgmental, and free. Reach out to the Problem Gambling Foundation or Gambling Helpline (numbers listed above) today. Recovery is possible, and professional counsellors are available to support you.
Your wellbeing is important to us. Please gamble responsibly.