Responsible Gambling

At Spinyoo, we want every punter to have a ripper of a time. We know that for the vast majority of our players, spinning the reels on their favourite pokies is a bit of fun — a way to unwind after a long day. However, we are acutely aware that gambling can sometimes stop being fun and start causing issues. That is why we are committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment for everyone enjoying our games in New Zealand.

We believe that staying in control is the most important part of the experience. Whether you are using your favourite payment method like POLi, or you are just keen to try out a new title, your wellbeing always comes first. If you feel like your play is becoming more than just a hobby, please know that we are here to support you.

Our Philosophy: Keeping it Sweet as

We want your time at Spinyoo to be enjoyable. "Sweet as" is how we describe a good time, and we strive to ensure that your gaming sessions stay that way. Being a responsible punter means knowing when to hold them and knowing when to walk away. It is about understanding that pokies are a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial worries.

If you ever find yourself chasing losses, feeling anxious about your play, or hiding your gambling habits from friends and family, it is time to take a step back. We are here to help you do exactly that with a variety of tools designed to put you back in the driver’s seat.

Setting Your Limits

One of the most effective ways to stay in control is to set boundaries before you even place your first bet. We offer several tools that allow you to manage your activity effectively:

Deposit Limits

You can set a limit on the amount of NZD you deposit into your account over a specific timeframe — daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you hit your limit, you will be unable to make further deposits until the time period resets. This is a brilliant way to ensure you never spend more than you originally intended. We recommend setting these limits early on, even if you feel you have your spending sorted.

Cooling-Off Periods

Sometimes, you just need a break. If you feel like things are getting a bit intense, you can use our cooling-off tool. This allows you to restrict access to your account for a short period — anywhere from 24 hours to six weeks. During this time, you will not be able to play, and you will not receive any marketing communications from us. It is a great way to hit the reset button and clear your head.

Self-Exclusion

If you feel that you need a longer break or that gambling is no longer a healthy activity for you, our self-exclusion tool is the right path. This allows you to block access to your Spinyoo account for a more extended period, typically six months or longer. During a self-exclusion period, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure you cannot access your account or open new ones, and we will remove you from our marketing databases. We encourage anyone choosing this option to also consider seeking support from professional organisations.

How to Recognise the Signs

It is not always easy to tell when gambling has become a problem. Often, it creeps up on you. Ask yourself these questions to help assess your situation:

Do you spend more time or money on pokies than you originally planned?
Do you find yourself betting with money that was meant for bills, rent, or groceries?
Do you feel a sense of desperation to "win back" the money you have lost?
Has gambling caused arguments with your partner, family, or friends?
Do you find yourself thinking about gambling even when you are not playing?
Are you hiding your gambling habits or lying about how much time or money you spend?
Has your mood changed — feeling irritable, restless, or anxious when you are not gambling?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, please reach out for help. There is absolutely no shame in admitting that things have become a bit much. In fact, it is the bravest thing a punter can do.

Support in New Zealand

You do not have to navigate this alone. New Zealand has a robust support network for anyone concerned about their gambling habits. There are professionals who understand exactly what you are going through and are ready to listen without judgement.

The Problem Gambling Foundation

The Problem Gambling Foundation provides free, confidential, and professional support to anyone in New Zealand affected by gambling. They offer counselling, support groups, and resources for both individuals and their families.

Helpline: 0800 664 262.
This service is available 24/7. Whether you are in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or anywhere else in Aotearoa, help is just a phone call away.

Gambling Commission and Department of Internal Affairs

While the Department of Internal Affairs and the Gambling Commission oversee the regulatory side of things to ensure fair play, they also work closely with public health organisations to ensure that support services are available for those who need them. Being aware of the regulations is one part of the puzzle; protecting your personal wellbeing is the other.

Practical Tips for Responsible Play

In addition to our on-site tools, there are several habits you can adopt to keep your gaming healthy:

Set a Budget and Stick to It: Before you start playing, decide on a set amount of NZD you are comfortable losing. Treat this money as the cost of your entertainment, like a ticket to a movie or a night out. Once it is gone, it is gone — do not top up.
Never Gamble When Stressed or Upset: Gambling should be done for fun, not to cope with emotional distress or life’s pressures. If you are feeling low, angry, or anxious, you are more likely to make impulsive decisions.
Balance Your Life: Make sure gambling is not your only hobby. Spend time with your mates, get outdoors, or dive into other interests. A healthy life is a balanced one.
Use Official Channels: Stick to reputable sites that offer secure payment methods like POLi. This ensures your transactions are safe and your data is protected, allowing you to focus on the game itself.
Keep Track of Your Time: It is easy to lose track of time when you are on a winning streak or just enjoying the graphics of our top-tier pokies. Set an alarm or take regular breaks to step away from the screen.

Protecting Minors

At Spinyoo, we take our responsibility to prevent underage gambling very seriously. Gambling is strictly for adults. We employ rigorous age-verification processes to ensure that no one under the age of 18 can create an account or play our games.

If you share a computer or device with anyone under the age of 18, we strongly encourage you to use filtering software to restrict access to gambling websites. This is a simple step that helps create a safer digital environment for everyone in your household.

Seeking Help for Others

If you are worried about a friend or family member, it can be a tricky situation. It is natural to feel unsure about how to bring it up. However, speaking out is often the catalyst for positive change.

Approach the conversation with empathy. Focus on how their behaviour affects you and how you feel, rather than accusing them. Let them know you are concerned because you care about their wellbeing. Suggest that they reach out to the professional support services mentioned above, like the Problem Gambling Foundation. You do not have to be their counsellor — in fact, it is better if you are not. Your role is to be a supportive friend who points them in the right direction.

Our Commitment to You

We take pride in offering a platform where Kiwi players can enjoy a vast selection of pokies and table games. But we are also proud of the safeguards we have in place. We are constantly reviewing our responsible gambling measures to ensure they are effective and accessible.

If you ever have any questions about the tools we have discussed, or if you feel that our support could be improved in any way, please get in touch with our customer support team. We value your feedback, and your input helps us keep Spinyoo a safe space for every punter.

Remember, the goal is always to keep things "sweet as." If at any point the fun stops, reach out. Help is always available, and you are never alone in this. Chur for being a responsible member of our community.