Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Kea Lodge, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it with a responsible mindset and set limits that work for your budget.

The house always has a mathematical edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and remember that losses are part of the experience.

Age Verification

Online gaming in New Zealand is strictly for adults aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in gambling activities. We take age verification seriously and verify all players before allowing access to our platform.

If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register. If a young person has access to your account, please help them understand the legal and personal risks involved.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself if you recognise any of these warning signs:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
• Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, or essentials
• Hiding gambling activity or lying to friends and family about how much you gamble
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
• Spending more time or money on gambling than planned
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
• Neglecting relationships, work, or personal responsibilities
• Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling

If you recognise one or more of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's time to seek help. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available.

Self-Help Tools

Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control. These may include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a day, week, or month
• Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Time-Out: Take a break from gaming for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing gaming sites, often across multiple operators
• Account Closure: Permanently close your gaming account if you decide to stop

We encourage you to use these tools proactively. Setting limits before you play is an effective way to manage your gaming responsibly.

Get Help – Support Organizations in New Zealand and Beyond

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Here are trusted organisations you can contact:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa)
  Free, confidential support for gambling problems
  Phone: 0800 654 655
  Website: www.pgf.nz
• Gambling Helpline (Samaritans NZ)
  24/7 support and crisis intervention
  Phone: 0800 006 006
  

International Support

• UK – GamCare
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• UK – GamStop (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

Support is confidential, non-judgmental, and often free. Trained counsellors are ready to listen and help you find a path forward.

If You Need Help, Please Reach Out

Seeking help for a gambling problem is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're concerned about your own gaming or that of someone you care about, professional support can make a real difference.

Don't hesitate – contact one of the organisations above today. They are equipped to help, and your call could be the first step towards recovery.

At Kea Lodge, we're committed to promoting safe, responsible gaming. Your wellbeing is our priority.