Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Pacific Blue Insurance, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means.

Please remember: the house always has an edge, and the outcome of every game is determined by chance. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, online pokies are only available to players aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you must not participate in online gambling. We take age verification seriously and comply with all local gaming regulations.

If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not access gambling sites. Support is available for young people affected by gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these warning signs in your own behaviour? If so, please seek help immediately:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win money back
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
• Neglecting work, family, or relationships due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
• Borrowing money to fund gambling
• Gambling affecting your mental health or causing financial hardship
• Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling
• Unable to stop or control your gambling despite wanting to

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during gaming sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
• Time-Outs: Take mandatory breaks from gaming for a set period

We encourage you to use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits.

Support Organizations in New Zealand & Beyond

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are the key support services:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF): Free and confidential support for all New Zealanders affected by problem gambling. Phone: 0800 664 262 (available 24/7) | www.pgf.nz
• Gamblers Anonymous (New Zealand): Peer support meetings and resources for problem gamblers. www.gamblersanon.org.nz

Australia (for nearby support)

• Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

United Kingdom

• GamCare: Free counselling, advice, and support. www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop: National self-exclusion scheme. www.gamstop.co.uk

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org

If You Need Help

Don't wait. Help is available right now.

If you are experiencing problem gambling or are concerned about your gaming habits, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. The Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) in New Zealand can be contacted 24/7 on 0800 664 262.

Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.