Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Way to Make Money
At Bewitching Weddings, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only—a fun pastime with money you can afford to lose. Never view gambling as a way to earn income, solve financial problems, or supplement your income. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and losses are an expected part of gaming.
We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and within their means.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction) to use online pokie services. Gambling is strictly prohibited for minors. If you are under the legal age, please do not access gambling websites or attempt to place wagers.
Operators are required to verify your age and identity. Providing false information is illegal and may result in account closure and forfeiture of funds.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs? If so, you may be developing a problem with gambling:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the amount of time or money you spend gambling from family or friends
- Loss of control: Gambling longer or with more money than intended
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking out loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
- Escalating stakes: Needing to bet more to achieve the same level of excitement
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop gambling
- Financial problems: Experiencing money difficulties due to gambling
- Relationship strain: Gambling causing conflict with loved ones
If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone else, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Responsible gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Reminders: Receive notifications about how long you've been playing
- Reality Checks: Periodic pop-up messages displaying your time played and money wagered
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing online gambling sites for a set period
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you decide to stop gambling
- Gambling Breaks: Take scheduled breaks from all gambling activities
Use these tools to stay in control and ensure gaming remains enjoyable and safe.
Support Organisations for New Zealand
If you're struggling with problem gambling, organisations in New Zealand and internationally are ready to help:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa New Zealand)
Free, confidential support for problem gamblers and their whānau
Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz
Helpline: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gambling Helpline NZ
24/7 support service
Phone: 0800 352 352 (free call)
Text: 8681 (text "HELP" to start)
International Support
- 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
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a real issue that can affect anyone. There is no shame in seeking help. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They provide confidential, non-judgmental assistance 24/7.
Remember: Help is just a phone call away. Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation or Gambling Helpline NZ today if you need support.
Disclaimer
Bewitching Weddings is committed to responsible gaming and the protection of all users. This information is provided for educational purposes. If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please seek professional help immediately. All online gaming operators must comply with New Zealand gambling laws and regulations.