Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Haven Cottage Happenings, we believe that online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach gaming with realistic expectations and maintain control over your gaming activities.
Remember: the house always has a mathematical edge. Play for enjoyment, set limits, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online gaming in New Zealand is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. It is illegal for anyone under this age to participate in online gambling activities.
All players must verify their age and identity before accessing gaming platforms. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or play.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in your own behaviour, it may be time to seek support:
- Spending more time or money on gaming than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Neglecting family, work, school, or other responsibilities due to gaming
- Using gaming as an escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gaming
- Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or other essential expenses
- Jeopardising relationships, education, or employment opportunities
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose over a set timeframe
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during gaming sessions to help you track time spent
- Session Limits: Set automatic cut-off times for gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming platforms
Take advantage of these tools and use them proactively to manage your gaming responsibly.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.problemgambling.nz - Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa Addiction Services)
Phone: 0800 006 886
Email: info@gamblinghelpline.co.nz
International Support
- GamCare (UK)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
All support services listed above offer confidential assistance and are staffed by trained professionals.
Need Help?
If you're concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you care about, please reach out for support today. Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available.
Don't hesitate—contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 (free, 24/7) or visit www.problemgambling.nz.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don't have to face this alone.
Our Commitment
Haven Cottage Happenings is committed to promoting responsible gaming. We encourage all players to play within their means and to utilise the self-help tools available. We support the work of problem gambling organisations and advocate for player protection and harm minimisation.