Responsible Play
Choice Pokies is a social casino โ no real money, no real stakes. But we take responsible play seriously all the same. This page explains our commitment, how to keep play healthy, and where to find help in New Zealand if you need it.
Our Commitment
Choice Pokies is a free-to-play social casino. No money goes in, no money comes out โ every coin is virtual, every spin is entertainment. We built this studio with a single rule: nobody pays to play. Our Responsible Play lead, Sophie Hartley, and the whole team stand behind that rule every day.
- Gold Nuggets have no real-money value and cannot be exchanged for cash or prizes.
- Choice Pokies is for adults aged 18 and over in New Zealand only.
- We do not encourage excessive or compulsive play โ in a social casino or otherwise.
Setting Your Own Limits
Since there's no money at stake, the main limit worth setting is time. It's easy to lose track of minutes on the Dustfall Flats โ the games are designed to be engaging. A little intentionality goes a long way.
A few habits that help keep play fun and bounded:
- Decide how long you'll play before you start โ and stick to it.
- Take a break between sessions; step away from the screen for at least a few minutes.
- Notice if you find yourself thinking about Gold Nugget balances when you're not playing.
- Play because it's fun right now โ not to recover from a bad session or chase a feeling.
Warning Signs to Watch For
These aren't judgements โ they're signals worth noticing:
- Spending more time playing than you intended, on a regular basis.
- Feeling irritable, restless, or flat when you can't get a session in.
- Using play to cope with anxiety, stress, or a low mood.
- Letting play compete with sleep, meals, work, study, or relationships.
- A growing curiosity about real-money gambling sites as a next step from social-casino play.
- Hiding how much time you spend playing from people close to you.
If any of these feel familiar, it's worth pausing and โ if it would help โ talking to someone.
Where to Get Help
Professional support is free and confidential in New Zealand. Reach out any time:
Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655
- Gambling Helpline New Zealand โ free, confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling for anyone concerned about their gambling or someone else's.
- PGF Group โ Problem Gambling Foundation โ specialist counselling, advocacy, and community support across Aotearoa.
- Ministry of Health โ Problem Gambling โ government guidance, treatment services, and self-assessment resources.
You can also self-exclude from Choice Pokies at any time by emailing us at support@choicepokies.com. We'll act on your request promptly.
"The Flats will always be here โ every saloon, every game, right where you left them. There's no rush, no proving anything, no prize at the end of the trail worth more than showing up feeling good. Step away whenever you need to. I'll keep the lights on." โ Dusty