Responsible Gambling
Responsible Gambling at Shotz
Playing Smart, Playing Safe
At Shotz, we genuinely care about the people who play with us. Whether you're spinning the pokies for a few minutes after work or enjoying a longer session on the weekend, we want your experience to be enjoyable, in control, and free from harm. Gambling should always feel like entertainment — never like a burden, an escape, or something you can't stop.
This page is here for every punter who wants to stay in the driver's seat. We've put together honest information, practical tools, and real support options so you always know where to stand — and where to turn if things ever feel off.
Understanding Problem Gambling
Most people gamble without any lasting issues. But for some, what starts as a fun activity can slowly become something harder to manage. Problem gambling doesn't always look the way people expect. It rarely announces itself loudly — it tends to creep in quietly, reshaping habits and priorities before you've had a chance to notice.
Some signs that gambling may be becoming a problem include:
- Spending more money or time on pokies than you.
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money you've already lost.
- Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when you're not.
- Hiding your gambling from family or.
- Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, or difficult.
- Neglecting bills, savings, or daily responsibilities to fund.
- Borrowing money or using savings set aside for other.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after gambling.
If any of these sound familiar — even just one — it's worth pausing and being honest with yourself. You're not alone, and there is genuine support available right here in New Zealand.
Our Commitment to Responsible Play
Shotz operates with a firm commitment to safer gambling practices. We don't want your money at any cost — we want you to enjoy the pokies in a way that stays healthy, affordable, and fun over the long term. Trust matters more to us than any single transaction, and payout speed or NZD account convenience means nothing if a player isn't doing okay.
That's why we provide a full suite of responsible gambling tools, available directly from your account at any time. You don't need to contact support to access most of these features — they're designed to put control in your hands, immediately.
Your Responsible Gambling Tools
Deposit Limits
One of the most effective ways to keep gambling enjoyable is to set a hard cap on how much you deposit. At Shotz, you can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits in NZ dollars directly from your account settings.
Once a limit is set, it takes effect immediately. If you choose to increase a limit, a mandatory cooling-off period applies before the change takes effect — this gives you time to reflect rather than act on impulse. Decreasing a limit, however, applies right away with no delay.
We strongly encourage every player to set a deposit limit from day one, even if you're confident in your habits. It's a simple safeguard that costs you nothing and protects you from decisions made in the heat of the moment.
Session Time Limits
Time can pass surprisingly quickly when you're enjoying the pokies. Session limits let you define how long you want to play before the platform reminds you — or stops the session entirely. You choose whether the limit is a gentle nudge or a hard stop.
Setting a session time limit ensures you stay connected to the rest of your day, your relationships, and your responsibilities. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn't be comfortable telling someone how long you just played for, that's a sign the session ran too long.
Reality Checks
Reality check notifications appear on screen at regular intervals during play, reminding you how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent in that session. These prompts are easy to dismiss — but they're also easy to act on. Sometimes a simple reminder is all it takes to make a conscious choice rather than an automatic one.
You can set reality check intervals from your account preferences. We recommend starting with 30-minute reminders if you're unsure.
Cooling-Off Periods
Sometimes you don't want to quit gambling permanently — you just need a break. A cooling-off period lets you pause your account for a set period of time: 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, one week, or one month.
During a cooling-off period, you cannot log in, deposit, or play. The pause is firm. This is intentional — it's designed to give you genuine breathing room, not a token pause that's easy to reverse.
Cooling-off periods are ideal if you've noticed your play increasing, if you've had a frustrating run of losses, or if something in your life outside gambling has become stressful. Taking a step back is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is the most powerful tool available, and Shotz takes it seriously. If you feel that gambling is causing harm — financially, emotionally, or in your relationships — you can request a self-exclusion that closes your account for an extended period.
Self-exclusion periods available at Shotz include:
| Duration | Best For |
|---|---|
| 6 months | Moderate concerns, wanting a longer reset |
| 1 year | Significant concerns or recurring patterns |
| 5 years | Serious harm or strong desire for long-term change |
| Permanent | When you know gambling is not right for you |
During self-exclusion, your account is fully suspended. You will not receive promotional emails, bonus offers, or any marketing communications. If you attempt to open a new account during your self-exclusion period, it will be closed.
To request self-exclusion, contact our support team directly. We will process your request promptly and without judgment.
Please note: If you choose permanent self-exclusion, this decision cannot be reversed. We will not reinstate a permanently excluded account under any circumstances.
Account History and Transparency
You can review your full gambling history — deposits, withdrawals, session durations, and game activity — from your account dashboard at any time. Seeing the numbers clearly, in NZ dollars, can be a powerful reality check in itself. We encourage all players to review their history regularly, not just when something feels wrong.
Keeping Your Account Secure
Never share your Shotz login details with anyone. If you share a device with a family member and are concerned about access to your account, contact support to discuss additional security options. Protecting your account is part of protecting your wellbeing.
Support for Family and Whānau
Problem gambling doesn't only affect the person gambling. Partners, children, parents, and close friends can experience significant stress, financial strain, and emotional hurt as a result of someone else's gambling. If someone you care about is struggling, you deserve support too.
The resources listed in the following section are open to anyone affected by gambling — not just the person placing the bets.
New Zealand Help and Support
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of the following services. All are free, confidential, and based right here in Aotearoa.
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand.
Freephone: 0800 664 262
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Offers free counselling, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm — including family and whānau.
Gambling Helpline.
Freephone: 0800 654 655
Free, confidential support line staffed by trained counsellors. Available any time, day or night.
Lifeline Aotearoa.
Freephone: 0800 543 354
General crisis and wellbeing support, available 24/7 for anyone experiencing distress.
1737 — Need to Talk?
Call or text 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor. Free, confidential, and available around the clock.
You do not need to be in crisis to use any of these services. Whether you have a question, want to talk something through, or need urgent help — these lines are open for you.
New Zealand's Regulatory Framework
Gambling in New Zealand is regulated to protect players and ensure fair, transparent operation. The Department of Internal Affairs and the Gambling Commission New Zealand oversee gambling standards and player protections in this country. Shotz operates in accordance with responsible gambling obligations and supports the broader goal of reducing gambling harm across Aotearoa.
A Final Word
Pokies are meant to be fun. At Shotz, we want every session to end with you feeling good — not stressed, not ashamed, and not out of pocket beyond what you chose to spend. Use the tools available to you. Set your limits early. Check in with yourself honestly.
And if you ever need to step back — whether for a day or for good — we will support that decision fully, no questions asked. Your wellbeing will always come first.
