Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Like any form of entertainment, it should only be played with money you can afford to lose. If you find yourself gambling to make money or to recover losses, it's time to seek help.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years of age to play online pokies in New Zealand. By accessing soah.co.nz, you confirm that you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Underage gambling is illegal and can cause serious harm to young people.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone else?

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount you gamble
• Neglecting family, work, study, or other responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or difficult emotions
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Gambling with money needed for essentials like food, rent, or bills
• Relationships suffering due to your gambling

If you recognise any of these signs, support is available.

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during gaming sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period while keeping your account active
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account to prevent access to your gaming account

Use these tools proactively to manage your gambling responsibly.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Contact one of these organisations:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation – Free, confidential support and counselling services across Aotearoa
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz
• Gambling Helpline – 24/7 support
  Phone: 0800 654 655

International Resources

• GamCare (United Kingdom) – Support and counselling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Counselling and support
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Resources and support
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – Helpline and resources
  www.ncpgambling.org

If You Need Help

Don't struggle alone. Problem gambling is a recognised health condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Counsellors and support workers at the organisations above are trained to help without judgment.

Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) today on 0800 664 262 or visit www.problemgambling.org.nz

Remember: help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.