Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not a Way to Earn Money

At Axis Auckland, we believe online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment — never as a source of income or a way to solve financial problems. The outcome of every spin is determined by chance, and no strategy can guarantee winnings. Please play responsibly, set limits, and never gamble more than you can comfortably afford to lose.

Age Verification

Gambling is strictly restricted to individuals aged 18 years or older in New Zealand for most forms of gambling, including online pokies. Some land-based casinos in New Zealand require players to be 20 or older. Always verify the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction before playing. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful. We encourage parents and guardians to use parental control tools to prevent minors from accessing gambling content.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses — returning to gamble again to try to win back money you have lost
• Hiding your gambling — lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling
• Gambling more than you can afford — using money meant for bills, rent, or essentials
• Borrowing money to gamble — taking out loans, using credit cards, or asking others for money to keep playing
• Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling — experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms when trying to cut back
• Losing track of time — spending longer gambling than you intended, often losing hours at a time
• Gambling to escape — using pokies or casino games to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
• Repeated failed attempts to stop — trying to quit or reduce gambling but being unable to do so
• Relationship problems — gambling causing conflict with partners, family members, or friends

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer practical tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. We strongly recommend using these features:

• Deposit Limits — Set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
• Loss Limits — Cap how much you can lose over a set period
• Reality Checks — Receive reminders about how long you have been playing
• Session Time Limits — Set a maximum duration for each gambling session
• Self-Exclusion — Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing gambling sites
• Cooling-Off Periods — Take a short break from gambling, typically 24 hours to 6 weeks
• Account Closure — Permanently close your gambling account

All licensed New Zealand-facing online casinos should provide these tools. If a site does not offer them, we recommend choosing a different platform.

Support Organisations

If you are concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you love, confidential help is available. Reach out to these trusted organisations:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand — Free, confidential support 24/7. Call 0800 654 655 or text 8006. Visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) — Free face-to-face and online counselling. Visit www.pgf.nz
• Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand — Public health gambling harm services. Visit www.tewhatuora.govt.nz

International Support

• United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop — www.gamstop.co.uk
• Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — www.bzga.de
• Other countries: Please refer to your national gambling support organisation or contact a local health professional for guidance.

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today

Problem gambling is a serious condition, but it is treatable. You are not alone, and help is available right now — free of charge and in complete confidence. Whether you are struggling yourself or worried about a family member or friend, reaching out is the first and most important step. Call Gambling Helpline New Zealand on 0800 654 655 or text 8006 to speak with a trained counsellor today.

Remember: gambling should never cost you more than you can afford — financially, emotionally, or personally. Play safe. Play smart. Play for fun.