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DECEMBER 2024

Safe Gambling Online - Tips for Kiwis

BETO and Safe Pokie Play


BETO and Safe Pokie Play

BETO and Safe Pokie Play

Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams

CERTIFIED EXPERT CERTIFIED EXPERT
Kim Birch has gone head-to-head with top poker pros globally. An expert in poker and blackjack, Kim has also written 3 books. About Kim Birch

For most Kiwis, online gambling is a fun pastime and a form of entertainment. However, for a small number of people, it can become problematic.

At BETO, we reckon responsible gambling is the way to go for everyone. We're committed to promoting safe and responsible online gambling operators and offering support to those who might struggle to keep their gambling in check. Our aim is to help make the internet a safe space for all users, regardless of their risk appetite.

The licensed sites BETO recommends all offer these features:

  • Set deposit limits - You can set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits, which can be adjusted or removed as needed.
  • Set reality checks with reminders and time-outs to help manage your online time.
  • Take a Break - Choose a break period from 24 hours up to several weeks.
  • View your gaming history - Keep tabs on your transactions, deposits, and withdrawals to stay on top of your activity.
  • Self-Exclusion - Option to self-exclude and stop gambling altogether, from six months to five years.

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Kiwi Guide to Safe Pokies Play

Why is Responsible Gambling crucial?

Why is Responsible Gambling crucial?

Gambling addiction's a serious issue affecting a small portion of Kiwis. While most can enjoy pokies and other casino games without drama, some are more likely to develop a problem.

Online casinos and the gambling industry now have Responsible Gaming teams to raise awareness and help prevent problem gambling. These teams educate punters about the warning signs and ensure marketing doesn't target vulnerable players.

We'll cover what gambling addiction is, how to spot it, and ways casinos tackle the issue. We'll also provide resources if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction.

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Responsible Pokies: What's the Go?

Responsible gambling is about taking smart steps to lower the risks that come with having a punt. This can mean setting yourself limits on how much you spend, sticking to a budget, and only gambling what you can afford to lose. It might also mean taking breaks from gambling or choosing not to gamble at all.

People who practice responsible gambling usually see it as just another form of entertainment. They plan for it in their household budget by setting and sticking to spending limits. They don't expect to win back money they've lost, and they don't see gambling as a way to make money. It's crucial to remember that all forms of gambling come with risks, and to gamble responsibly, you need to be aware of these risks and how to minimise them.

Social Responsibility in Online Gambling

Social responsibility in online gambling is about both the pokie site and the punters behaving in ways that minimise harm to everyone involved.
While there's no one-size-fits-all definition of social responsibility in online gambling, as it varies depending on local laws and regulations, it generally includes things like:

  • Ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and transparently.
  • Protecting young people and other vulnerable individuals.

People who gamble too much, lose control, or become addicted can face serious harm. And it's not just the gambler who suffers - families, mates, communities, and businesses all feel the impact.

Early and appropriate communication can help someone keep their gambling in check and keep them as a customer. This approach is better for your business in the long run.

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Responsible Pokies Guide

Set a strict budget and stick to it, no exceptions

Set a strict budget and stick to it, no exceptions

When it comes to safe gambling, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to keep things under control depends on your own habits and preferences. Here are some tips to help you gamble responsibly:

 

  1. Set a time limit and stick to it.
  2. Set a budget and don't go over it.
  3. Gamble for fun, not profit (it's like paying for a night out).
  4. Don't play when you're upset or stressed.
  5. Learn the rules before betting real money.
  6. Use the tools on pokies to track your play and set limits.
  7. Take regular breaks - grab some fresh air or a bite to eat (not alcohol).
  8. Accept that losing is part of the game (you're paying for entertainment).
  9. Don't gamble to make money (it's not a job, it's leisure).
  10. Never borrow to gamble, even from yourself.
  11. Don't let gambling mess with your relationships or work (stop if it causes problems).
  12. Don't chase losses (expect to lose)
     

Follow these tips, and you'll be on track for safer gambling.

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Gambling Addiction: Understanding the Kiwi Context

Is your pokie play becoming a bit of a worry?

Is your pokie play becoming a bit of a worry?

Problem gambling, or 'pokie addiction', is a mental health issue marked by an overwhelming urge to gamble and an inability to stop. It can seriously mess up your finances, relationships, and personal life.

Those struggling with gambling often keep at it even when they're losing big time or when the odds are stacked against them. It's a tough cycle to break.

Gambling addiction is a real worry and needs proper help. There are options like counselling, therapy, and sometimes medication. Many punters find that a mix of treatments, along with support groups and education programmes through the Department of Internal Affairs, works best for getting back on track.

The stats show blokes are more at risk, but that might shift as more women get into online pokies.

Starting young is another red flag. Teens playing online illegally could end up with lifelong dramas, since their brains are still developing.

Lastly, punters with existing mental health issues like ADHD, anxiety, or depression are more vulnerable. These conditions can make it harder to see the long-term consequences of risky behaviour.

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Spotting Signs of a Pokie Problem: What to Watch For

Spotting Signs of a Pokie Addiction in Yourself

Spotting Signs of a Pokie Addiction in Yourself

Wondering if your pokie playing has gone from fun to problematic? Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do you spend heaps of time alone on the computer, sometimes skipping work or other commitments to play?
  2. Have you ever fibbed about winning when you were actually losing?
  3. When you're not playing, do you get grumpy or on edge?
  4. Are you using pokies to avoid dealing with other issues in your life?
  5. Have you had to increase your bets to get the same buzz?
  6. Have you tried and failed to cut back on time or money spent on pokies?
  7. Have you ever been tempted to do something dodgy to fund your playing?
  8. Do you chase your losses by going back online to play more?
  9. Have you kept your gambling secret from people close to you?
  10. Have you borrowed money you couldn't repay because of gambling, or gotten into debt?
  11. Have you ever flogged something to get money for pokies or to pay gambling debts?
  12. Do you break promises to family and mates to gamble instead?


If you answered 'yeah' to any of these, you might need to use the advice below to get your gambling under control.

You can also take the anonymous 'Worried about your gambling?' quiz on the BeGambleaware website and use their Gambling Calculator to see if your punting is becoming a worry.

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Safeguarding Kiwi Kids from Online Pokies

Safeguarding Kiwi Youth from Online Pokies

Safeguarding Kiwi Youth from Online Pokies

BETO's taken several steps to keep our site safe for punters. We ask all new and current players to confirm their age before they can start having a go.

We've also got multiple security measures to stop any dodgy access to our systems, and we're always on the lookout for anything suss.

Still, we know underage folks might get their hands on pokie games, maybe by using their parents' devices or nicking an adult's login info. So here are some crucial tips to keep the young ones safe:

  • Have a yarn with your kids about the risks of underage gambling.
  • Check out the parental controls on your computer, tablet, and mobile to limit your kid's exposure to gambling stuff.
  • Keep your pokie login, password, and deposit details under wraps and away from the kids.
  • Save your pokie passwords and don't use auto-fill on your devices.
  • When you're done, make sure to log out of your account.
  • Get some website filtering software, like NetNanny, to block the kids from accessing online gambling sites.

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Responsible Gaming: A Kiwi Approach

Online pokies sites have dedicated teams trained to spot signs of gambling problems. These teams follow strict guidelines to tackle addiction, and customer service staff are clued up on recognising when punters might be getting carried away. Plus, these sites have developed tools to help players keep tabs on their gaming habits.

Any decent online pokie site you visit these days will have a Responsible Gambling section with advice on how to play within your means, tools to help manage your gaming, and links to professional organisations that can lend a hand if things get out of control. It's all about keeping Kiwi players safe and preventing harmful gambling behaviours.

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Confidential Support and Guidance

Seek help if your pokie play

Seek help if your pokie play's becoming a worry, mate

The Gambling Helpline is just one of many support services available for those dealing with gambling issues. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are several confidential helplines offering expert advice.

The Gambling Helpline is a valuable resource for Kiwis grappling with gambling problems.

There's a range of organisations ready to provide support and assistance to those affected by gambling. If you or someone close to you is having trouble with gambling, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these helpful services.
 

  • Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655
  • Gamblers Anonymous NZ: 0800 GA HELP (0800 42 4357)
  • Problem Gambling Foundation: 0800 664 262
  • Choicenotchance.org.nz
  • Pgf.nz

 

 

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Responsible Pokies - Common Kiwi Questions

Responsible Gambling: What's the Guts of It? Arrow Arrow

Responsible gambling means having a punt in a way that's safe and under control, lowering the chances of developing dramas with gambling. It's about setting clear boundaries on how much time and cash you're willing to spend on pokies or other games, and sticking to those limits. Smart punters only gamble with money they can afford to lose and never try to win back what they've dropped. It's all about keeping things fun and not letting it get out of hand.

What's Responsible Gambling in NZ? Arrow Arrow

Responsible gambling is all about keeping things in check when you're having a punt. It's smart to set yourself some limits on how much you're willing to spend, and to be aware of the signs that your pokies habit might be getting out of hand. Taking these steps can help make sure your gambling stays fun and doesn't become a problem.

How's BETO safeguarding Kiwi punters from pokie harm? Arrow Arrow

BETO is committed to safeguarding punters from the risks of gambling. We offer info and resources on responsible gambling, and we're teaming up with pokie providers to encourage safe betting practices. We're also conducting research to get a better grasp on gambling-related issues.

Where can I get help for my pokie habit? Arrow Arrow

If you're struggling with gambling, reach out to the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand on 0800 664 262. For a chat online, you can connect with the supportive team at Gambling Helpline NZ: https://gamblinghelpline.co.nz/

How to reach NZ Gambling Helpline? Arrow Arrow

Gambling Helpline NZ
Address:
Level 2, 5-7 Vivian Street
Te Aro
Wellington 6011 Phone: 0800 654 655
Email: [email protected]