Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At thunderball.co.nz, we believe that online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Remember: the house always has a mathematical advantage. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble on this website. This is a legal requirement in New Zealand.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to create an account or place any bets. Gambling is not suitable for minors and can have serious consequences on your development and wellbeing.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Please be aware of these warning signs:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or planning your next session
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Attempting to cut back or stop gambling but being unable to do so
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Lying to family members or friends about the extent of your gambling
- Hiding gambling activity or using secret accounts
- Jeopardizing important relationships, education, or career opportunities due to gambling
- Relying on others to provide money to cover gambling debts
- Using credit, loans, or other financial products to fund gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties or debt as a result of gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection
We provide several tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a session
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during your gaming session showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from your account and all gambling activities on thunderball.co.nz
- Account Closure: Close your account permanently if you decide gambling is no longer for you
All registered players can access these tools through their account settings. We encourage you to use them.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please contact one of these organizations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Harm Support Services (Sasplend): Free confidential support and counselling. Call 0800 654 655 or visit www.sapling.org.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: Offers counselling, information, and resources. Call 0800 664 262 or visit www.problemgambling.org.nz
- Gamblers Anonymous: Peer support meetings throughout New Zealand. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
All of these services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free to use.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem or are concerned about someone else's gambling habits, please seek professional help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support – help is available and recovery is possible.
Contact one of the organizations listed above, speak to your doctor, or reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Your wellbeing is important to us.