Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun, it's important to understand that the odds always favor the house. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to use Waraku.co.nz and participate in online gambling. In New Zealand, the legal age for gambling is 18 years. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and protecting young people. If you are under 18, please do not use this website.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• Experiencing financial problems as a result of gambling

Self-Help Tools & Limits

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. Consider using:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're prepared to lose
• Time Limits: Set reminders or restrictions on how long you can play in one session
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications during play to remind you of time and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites if needed

Use these tools proactively to stay in control of your gambling habits.

Support & Help Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) – Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.pgf.nz
• Gambling Helpline – Phone: 0800 654 655 (free and confidential)

International Resources

• GamCare (United Kingdom) – www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom) – www.gamstop.co.uk
• 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 think you may have a gambling problem, please reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling can affect your mental health, relationships, and financial wellbeing. You are not alone, and support is available.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz for confidential support and resources.

Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.