Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
At Mangawhai Ratepayers, we believe that online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. We're committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming practices for all our users.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are strictly for adults aged 18 years and over. We take age verification seriously and require all players to confirm they meet the legal age requirement before accessing our platform. If you are under 18, please do not proceed.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be honest with yourself and watch for these warning signs:
- Spending more time or money on pokies than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Lying to friends or family about your gambling activities
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like bills or food
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Attempting unsuccessfully to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Hiding evidence of gambling or secret accounts
Self-Help Tools & Features
We provide several tools to help you maintain control of your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a session or week
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing our platform
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Request a pause in your account access before making it permanent
Get Help & Support
If you're struggling with problem gambling, support is available. These organisations provide free, confidential help:
New Zealand Support Services
- Gambling Helpline (New Zealand): 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7) – www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz
- Gamblers Anonymous (New Zealand): Peer support meetings across NZ
International Support Services
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support—professional help is available and effective. Contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 (New Zealand) or visit one of the support services listed above.
Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it's not, get help.