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. While playing can be fun, it's important to understand that the odds always favour the house. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble beyond your means.
Age Verification
Online gaming in New Zealand is strictly for players aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you are prohibited from participating in any form of online gambling. Cliftoncafe.co.nz is committed to preventing underage gambling and complies with all New Zealand gaming regulations.
By accessing our site, you confirm that you are legally of age to gamble in New Zealand.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (bills, rent, food)
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty about your gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut down or control your gambling without success
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing sleep problems or mood changes related to gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it's time to seek support.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Responsible gaming platforms offer several tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on the amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set amount of time to encourage breaks
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming sites
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming habits.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you need help, support is available. Here are trusted organisations in New Zealand and internationally:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free, confidential support services for people affected by gambling problems
www.problemgambling.nz - Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa) – 24/7 free phone and text support
Phone: 0800 664 262 | Text: 8393 - Samaritans NZ – Emotional support available 24/7
Phone: 1300 | www.samaritans.org.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with the right support. You are not alone.
Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or worried about someone else's, please reach out:
- Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation or Gambling Helpline in New Zealand
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare provider
- Visit one of the international support organizations listed above
- Use self-exclusion tools available on gaming sites to take a break
Help is available – take action today.