Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At alphatan.co.nz, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.

Set a budget you can afford to lose, treat it as the cost of entertainment, and never chase losses or gamble with money needed for essentials like rent, food, or bills.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. alphatan.co.nz is strictly for adults only.

If you are under 18, please do not register or attempt to access our services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor young people's internet usage and discuss the risks of gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone else, problem gambling may be developing:

• Gambling more frequently or with larger amounts than intended
• Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent
• Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Relationship conflicts related to gambling habits
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling

If you experience any of these signs, please seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Limits

Most reputable online casinos and pokie sites offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
• Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to remind you to take breaks
• Reality Checks: Pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites

Take advantage of these tools. They are designed to protect your wellbeing.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please contact one of these organisations:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa New Zealand): 0800 664 262 (free call) | www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation: 0800 424 020 | www.pgf.nz
• Samaritans NZ: 1800 726 666 (for emotional support) | www.samaritans.org.nz

International Resources

• Australia – Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• United Kingdom – GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
• United Kingdom – GamStop (Self-Exclusion Register): www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): www.bzga.de

If You Need Help, Seek It Now

Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect your mental health, relationships, and finances. There is no shame in asking for help.

If you're struggling with gambling, please:

• Contact the Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa New Zealand) on 0800 664 262 – it's free and confidential
• Visit your GP or a mental health professional
• Reach out to a trusted friend or family member
• Use self-exclusion tools to take a break from gambling

Remember: gambling should only ever be entertainment. If it's causing you distress, stop and seek support today.