Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should only be played for entertainment purposes. Gambling is not a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to make money, chase losses, or use gambling to escape problems, it may be time to seek help.

At Wash Creek, we encourage all players to gamble responsibly and within their means.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. We take age verification seriously and comply with all local gaming regulations.

If you are under 18, please do not use our site. If you are aware of a minor accessing gambling services, please report this to the Department of Internal Affairs.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do any of these warning signs apply to you?

• Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
• Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
• Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (bills, rent, food)
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling
• Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
• Lying to others about the extent of your gambling

If you've noticed any of these signs in your own behaviour, please consider reaching out for support.

Self-Help Tools

Most online casinos and gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
• Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during play to help you stay aware of time and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing your account
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic logout timers to limit how long you play in one session

Take advantage of these tools to keep your gambling enjoyable and within your budget.

Support Organizations

If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organisations you can contact:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline NZ — Free, confidential support
  Phone: 0800 654 655 (available 24/7)
  Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Department of Internal Affairs — Gambling Regulation in NZ
  Website: www.dia.govt.nz

International Support

• GamCare (UK) — www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion) — 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

Need Help? Reach Out Today

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support—problem gambling is a real issue, and recovery is possible.

Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 — available 24/7, free and confidential.

Remember: you don't have to face this alone. Help is just a phone call away.