Last updated: May 2026 — Liam Hartley, Planafarewell
At Planafarewell, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Liam Hartley and the entire Planafarewell team are deeply committed to promoting responsible gambling practices across New Zealand. We recognise that for some players, gambling can move beyond fun and become a source of harm. This page exists because we genuinely care about the wellbeing of every person who visits planafarewell.com — not just as a reader, but as a human being.
Please take the time to read through the information below. Whether you are a casual player or someone who gambles more regularly, understanding responsible gaming tools and recognising warning signs can make a real difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
Healthy gambling means playing for entertainment, within your means, and without pressure. It means you are in control of how much time and money you spend. The moment gambling feels like something you must do, or something that causes stress, financial strain, or relationship problems, it is time to pause and seek support.
There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. Thousands of New Zealanders reach out for support every year, and resources are available to assist you every step of the way.
Problem gambling can develop gradually, and many people do not realise it is happening until significant harm has occurred. Below are common warning signs to watch for in yourself or someone you care about:
If you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour, please do not wait. Reach out to one of the support organisations listed further down this page.
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, we strongly encourage you to speak with a professional counsellor or contact a helpline:
Reputable online casinos licensed to serve New Zealand players are required to offer a range of responsible gambling tools. At Planafarewell, we only recommend platforms that provide these protections. Always look for the following features before you register:
If you wish to self-exclude from multiple gambling sites at once, we encourage you to contact each operator directly and also register with national self-exclusion schemes where available in New Zealand.
Planafarewell operates a strict 18+ policy. All content on planafarewell.com is intended exclusively for adults aged 18 and over. We do not condone underage gambling in any form. Licensed casinos we review are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing deposits or gameplay. If you are a parent or guardian, we encourage you to use parental control software to prevent minors from accessing gambling-related websites.
If you are in New Zealand and need immediate support, the following services are available to you free of charge:
The following organisations provide world-class support, resources, and counselling for people affected by problem gambling:
We want every New Zealand player who visits planafarewell.com to walk away informed, protected, and empowered. Pokies are meant to be fun, and when played responsibly, they can be a perfectly enjoyable pastime. But if the fun ever stops, please know that help is always within reach. You are never alone, and reaching out is always the right decision.
If you have any concerns or would like to suggest additional responsible gambling resources for this page, you are welcome to contact us directly through planafarewell.com.