Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At stdavids.co.nz, we're committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming. Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble only what you can afford to lose and set strict limits on your time and spending.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time. If you are under 18, please do not use our services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to try to recover what you've lost
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
- Unable to cut back or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a chosen timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or period
- Session Limits: Limit the amount of time you spend gambling in one sitting
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling services
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
Take advantage of these tools to maintain control of your gaming experience.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (free, confidential, 24/7) — www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, please seek help immediately. Talking to someone is the first step toward recovery. Whether you contact a helpline, visit a counselor, or speak to someone you trust, support is available and recovery is possible.
Remember: Problem gambling is not a character flaw—it's a treatable issue. You are not alone.