Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Like any form of entertainment, there is always a cost involved, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Remember: the odds are always in favour of the house. No strategy or system can guarantee winnings.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. If you are under 18, please do not use this service.
By accessing servicestar.co.nz, you confirm that you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Gambling more frequently or with larger amounts than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
- Neglecting family, work, school, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Feeling unable to stop or reduce your gambling despite wanting to
- Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Becoming irritable or anxious when trying to cut back or stop
- Experiencing relationship problems caused by gambling
Self-Help Tools & Limits
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose over a set period
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic alerts or session cutoffs to limit continuous play
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders during play sessions to check your balance and time spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling platforms
Take advantage of these features. They are designed to protect you and help maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) – Free and confidential support for problem gambling
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) | Website: www.problemgambling.nz - Gambling Helpline – 24/7 counselling service
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free call) | Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Support and information on problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Free counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Research, education, and prevention
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – Helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and support is available 24/7.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance.
Do not suffer in silence. Help is just a phone call away.