Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The outcome of every game is determined by random chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use online gaming services in New Zealand. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and protecting young people. If you are under 18, please do not use this website.
Operators are required to verify your age and identity before allowing access to gaming platforms. This is a legal requirement under New Zealand gambling regulations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Are you experiencing any of the following? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
- Gambling with larger amounts than intended
- Spending more time gambling than planned
- Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape from problems or negative emotions
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming operators provide tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic breaks or session duration limits
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
- Account Closure: Close your account if you need to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming activity.
Get Help & Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available from these reputable organisations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa) — Free, confidential support
Phone: 0800 654 655 (available 24/7)
Online: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation
Phone: 09 3599 519
Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz - Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa New Zealand
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (UK) — www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion) — 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
All services are confidential and free to access.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. Whether you're experiencing mild concerns or serious difficulties, professional support services are available to help you:
- Understand your gambling behaviour
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Rebuild relationships and finances
- Return to a balanced lifestyle
Contact the Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa) today: 0800 654 655 — available 24/7.
You don't have to face this alone. Help is just a phone call away.
This information is provided for harm reduction purposes. blacklagoonband.com is committed to promoting responsible gaming in accordance with New Zealand gambling regulations. For current responsible gaming resources and support options, always consult official New Zealand government and health authority websites.