Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Cobden Bowling Club, we believe online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only what you can afford to lose, and never gamble money needed for essentials like rent, food, or bills.

Age Verification

All online gambling in New Zealand is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online pokies. We take age verification seriously and encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children's online activities.

By accessing our gaming content, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older and legally permitted to gamble in New Zealand.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Constantly thinking about gambling or reliving past gambling experiences
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
• Repeatedly trying to cut back, control, or stop gambling without success
• Becoming restless or irritable when attempting to reduce gambling
• Gambling as a way to escape problems, anxiety, depression, or other negative feelings
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Lying to family, friends, or therapists about the extent of your gambling
• Risking or losing important relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities due to gambling
• Asking others for money to pay gambling debts
• Experiencing financial problems caused by gambling

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most licensed online gaming operators offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend per day, week, or month
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a session or period
• Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during gaming sessions to prompt reflection
• Time Limits: Set alarms to limit how long you play in one session
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
• Account Cooling-Off: Take a mandatory break from your account (typically 24 hours to several weeks)

These tools are free and can be accessed through your gaming account settings.

Support Organizations in New Zealand & Worldwide

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) — 0800 664 262 (Free helpline, 24/7) | www.pgf.nz
• Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa New Zealand (GAANZ) — Peer support meetings across NZ | www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
• Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand — 1800 726 666 (Emotional support) | www.samaritans.org.nz

International Support

• Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop (Self-Exclusion) — www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — 1-800-522-4700 | www.ncpgambling.org

Get Help Today

Problem gambling is a treatable condition. You are not alone, and help is available. If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the support organizations listed above. Recovery is possible with the right support and resources.

Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.