Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At shihad.co.nz, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always play within your means.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is strictly for players aged 18 years and over. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of identity at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of the following warning signs in your own gambling behaviour?
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like food, rent, or utilities
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
- Difficulty controlling how much time or money you spend gambling
- Neglecting family, work, or other important responsibilities
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Continuously increasing the amount you bet to get the same excitement
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other problems
If you've identified with several of these signs, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from your account and all affiliated sites
- Account Closure: Permanently close your gaming account if needed
Contact your casino's support team to activate any of these features.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa)
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free, confidential)
Website: www.pgf.nz
Services: Counselling, support groups, and information - Gamblers Anonymous
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
Services: Free peer support meetings throughout NZ
International Resources
- 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, Reach Out Today
Seeking help for a gambling problem is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're concerned about your own gaming habits or worried about someone else, professional support is available and confidential.
Don't wait—contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit their website for immediate assistance.
Remember: you're not alone, and recovery is possible.