Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Save the Cathedral, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be seen as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should only play with money you can afford to lose.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means. If you're in New Zealand and need support, help is available.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are strictly for players aged 18 years and over. By accessing our affiliated gaming sites, you confirm that you are of legal age in your jurisdiction and meet all local regulatory requirements.
If you are under 18, please do not proceed. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other negative feelings
- Neglecting work, study, family, or other important responsibilities
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
- Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to reduce gambling
- Failed attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Loss of interest in hobbies, social activities, or relationships
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose during a session
- Session Time Limits: Automatically close your account after a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications reminding you how long you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing gaming sites for a period you choose
Always use these tools if they help you play more responsibly. There is no shame in taking control of your gaming.
Support Organisations in New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to these organisations:
New Zealand
-
Gambling Helpline (New Zealand)
Free, confidential, 24/7 support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Text: 8393
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz -
Samaritans (New Zealand)
Emotional support and crisis assistance
Phone: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7)
Website: www.1737.org.nz
International Resources
-
GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk -
GamStop (United Kingdom)
National self-exclusion scheme
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
If You Need Help
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please know that support is available and recovery is possible. You are not alone.
Contact the Gambling Helpline in New Zealand today:
0800 654 655 (24/7, free, confidential)
or text 8393
Whether you're struggling yourself or concerned about someone else, reaching out is the first step to getting help. Professional counsellors are ready to support you.