Responsible Gambling

At Lucky Nugget, we want your time spent playing our pokies to be an enjoyable, entertaining experience. We know that for the vast majority of our players, gambling is a fun pastime — a way to unwind after a long day or enjoy a bit of excitement. However, we also recognise that for some, gambling can stop being a bit of fun and start becoming a burden. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to providing a safe, transparent, and supportive environment for every Kiwi punter.

Gambling should always be about entertainment, not a way to make money or a solution to financial stress. Whether you are spinning the reels on your favourite pokies, playing a few hands of blackjack, or testing your luck at roulette, it is essential that you stay in control of your play.

Staying in Control: Your Responsibility as a Player

Being a responsible player means staying informed and keeping your gambling habits within healthy boundaries. We believe that an empowered player is a safe player. To help you maintain that balance, we encourage you to follow these simple guidelines:

Set a Budget: Decide exactly how much you can afford to lose before you even start playing. Treat this amount as the cost of your entertainment, much like buying a ticket to a movie or going out for a meal. Never chase your losses.
Set Time Limits: It is easy to lose track of time when you are on a hot streak. Use a timer or a set alarm to remind yourself when your session should end.
Balance Your Life: Gambling should never take precedence over your relationships, your work, or your other hobbies. If you find yourself skipping important events or responsibilities just to play, it is time to take a step back.
Don't Gamble When Distressed: If you are feeling upset, stressed, anxious, or lonely, you might be more inclined to gamble impulsively. Please, avoid using pokies as a way to escape your emotions.
Understand the Games: All our games are based on chance. There is no strategy that can guarantee a win. Understanding that the house always has a mathematical edge helps keep the experience grounded in reality.

Tools to Help You Play Safely

We have integrated a range of features directly into your Lucky Nugget account to help you manage your play. These tools are designed to be "sweet as" — easy to use, effective, and accessible whenever you need them.

Deposit Limits

Setting a deposit limit is one of the most effective ways to ensure you never spend more than you intended. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on your account. Once your limit is reached, you will be unable to deposit any more funds until the period resets. You can adjust these limits at any time, but please note that increases take effect after a cooling-off period, while decreases are immediate. We encourage you to set a limit that reflects your personal financial situation.

Cooling-Off Periods

Sometimes, you just need a short break to clear your head. If you feel that you have been playing too much or need a moment to re-evaluate, you can request a cooling-off period. This will temporarily restrict your access to your account for a set timeframe — ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this time, you will not be able to deposit or play, and you will not receive any marketing communications from us.

Self-Exclusion

If you feel that your gambling has become a serious problem and you need to take a more significant step away, we offer a comprehensive self-exclusion service. This allows you to block access to your account for a minimum of six months, or up to five years. During this period, we will do everything in our power to prevent you from opening new accounts or accessing our services. We strongly recommend that if you choose to self-exclude with us, you also consider excluding yourself from other gambling operators to ensure your protection is comprehensive.

Recognising the Signs of Problem Gambling

Sometimes it is hard to tell when a hobby has crossed the line into something more serious. If you are concerned about your own behaviour — or if you are worried about a friend or family member — look out for these warning signs:

Spending more money than you can afford on pokies or other games.
Borrowing money or selling belongings to fund your gambling.
Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you are not playing.
Neglecting family, friends, or work to spend more time gambling.
Lying to others about how much time or money you spend on gambling.
Chasing losses in the hope of winning back what you have spent.
Using gambling as a way to solve financial problems or pay off debts.

If any of these resonate with you, please know that you are not alone. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help; in fact, it is the bravest thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones.

Professional Support in New Zealand

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are dedicated, free, and confidential services in New Zealand ready to help. These organisations are experts in supporting Kiwis through difficult times.

Problem Gambling Foundation

The Problem Gambling Foundation is a fantastic resource for anyone who needs support. They offer professional, non-judgmental counselling and advice tailored to your needs.

Helpline: 0800 664 262.
Website: You can find them online to access their full range of support services, including web-chat and local support groups.

Gambling Helpline NZ

Gambling Helpline NZ provides 24/7 support for those affected by gambling harm. Their team is trained to listen and provide immediate guidance.

Phone: 0800 654 655.
Text: You can also text them for support at 8006.

These services are free, confidential, and run by people who are genuinely keen to help you regain control. Reaching out to them is a vital step toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Keeping Children Safe

At Lucky Nugget, we take the issue of underage gambling extremely seriously. Gambling is strictly for adults. We employ robust age-verification processes to ensure that no one under the age of 18 can create an account with us.

If you share a computer or mobile device with someone who is underage, we strongly recommend that you install filtering software. This can help prevent children from accessing gambling sites. Examples of such software include:

Always keep your login details, passwords, and payment information (such as your POLi or credit card details) secure and out of sight from minors.

Our Commitment to You

We understand that for our New Zealand players, trust is everything. Whether you are using POLi for a secure bank transfer or checking on the speed of a withdrawal, you deserve to feel safe in every aspect of your experience with us. Responsible gambling is the cornerstone of that trust.

The Department of Internal Affairs and the Gambling Commission NZ oversee the standards that ensure fair and safe play within our region. We operate with these high standards at the forefront of our business. We are not just here to provide the best pokies; we are here to provide an environment where you can enjoy the thrill of the game without compromising your well-being.

If you ever feel that your gambling is no longer "sweet as," we are here to support you. You can contact our customer support team at any time — they are trained to assist with self-exclusion requests, deposit limits, or simply to provide information on how to access external help.

Remember, you are a person first and a punter second. Your health, your finances, and your relationships are far more valuable than any win on a pokie machine. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please take that first step and reach out to the support services listed above. Chur for looking out for yourself and for choosing to play responsibly. We want you to enjoy your time with us, but never at the expense of your own happiness. Stay safe, play within your means, and keep the fun in the game.