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. Remember that all games of chance have a house edge, meaning the odds always favour the casino over time. Set realistic expectations and play only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to play online pokies in New Zealand. cottonandclay.co.nz is strictly for adults. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and will verify player ages during account registration.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Neglecting family, friends, work, or other responsibilities
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts for the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you experience any of these signs, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos and pokies 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, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a session
- Session Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic logouts after a certain period of play
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up notifications during play to remind you how much time has passed
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing your account
Use these tools proactively to maintain control of your gambling habits.
Support Organizations in New Zealand and Beyond
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): 0800 654 655 (free, confidential, 24/7)
www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): www.problemgambling.org.nz
International Resources
- UK - GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- UK - GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- USA - National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If you think you have a problem with gambling, please reach out for help today. It's never too late to take control. Support is confidential, free, and available 24/7 in New Zealand through the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible, and professional support services are here for you.