Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Squidrow, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits before you play.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are only available to players aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you must not access or use online gambling services. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Parents and guardians: If you're concerned about a young person's online activities, please monitor their internet use and discuss responsible behaviour.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money intended for essentials (rent, groceries, bills)
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Continuously increasing the amount you gamble to feel the same excitement
- Lying about how much time or money you've spent gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Gambling as a way to escape problems or difficult emotions
Self-Help Tools & Control Features
Most reputable online pokie sites offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of gameplay
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing online gambling sites
- Account Closure: Close your account if you need to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively to manage your gambling and protect your wellbeing.
Support Organisations & Helplines
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential assistance:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (free phone line, available 24/7)
- www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz – Online chat and resources
- Samaritans (for crisis support): 0800 726 666
International Resources
- Australia – Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom – GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom – GamStop (Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada – Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States – National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone, and there's no shame in seeking support. If you're struggling with your gambling or think you may have a problem, please contact the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get help.
Gamble responsibly. Gamble within your means.