Last updated: June 2026 — James Wilson, Dewetter Smith
At Dewetter Smith, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Our founder James Wilson and the entire team at dewetter-smith.com are deeply committed to promoting responsible gambling practices across New Zealand. We take player welfare seriously, and this page exists not just to meet a requirement, but because we genuinely care about the people who visit our site.
Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. If it ever stops being fun, it is time to take a step back. This page provides you with the tools, resources, and information you need to stay in control.
Dewetter Smith enforces a strict 18+ policy across all content and recommendations on this site. We do not condone underage gambling in any form. All licensed online casinos we review are required to verify player age before allowing real-money play. If you are under 18, please leave this site immediately.
If you are a parent or guardian, we strongly recommend using parental control tools such as Net Nanny or Gamban to block access to gambling websites on shared or family devices.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or income. Recognising the warning signs early is one of the most important steps toward getting help. You may have a gambling problem if you notice any of the following:
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, we encourage you to seek support:
Most reputable online casinos available to New Zealand players allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Setting a limit before you start playing ensures you never spend beyond your means. You can usually adjust these limits in your account settings. Lowering a limit takes effect immediately, while raising one typically involves a waiting period for your protection.
Many platforms offer reality check reminders that notify you at regular intervals about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. These gentle alerts help you stay aware of your session and make informed decisions about continuing or stopping.
If you feel you need a short break, most licensed casinos offer cooling-off periods ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this time, you cannot access your account for real-money play. This is a valuable tool if you feel your gambling is becoming impulsive.
For those who need a longer break or want to stop gambling altogether, self-exclusion is a powerful option. You can request a self-exclusion directly with any licensed casino, which will block your account for a set period or permanently. In New Zealand, the Department of Internal Affairs oversees gambling regulation, and you can contact individual operators directly to request exclusion. We also recommend using the Gamban app to block gambling sites across all your devices simultaneously.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to these free and confidential services:
We also recommend the following globally recognised organisations for advice, counselling, and support:
James Wilson and the team at Dewetter Smith will always put player safety above everything else. We review casinos with responsibility in mind, and we only recommend platforms that provide robust player protection tools. If you ever feel that gambling is harming your life, please use the resources above. There is no shame in asking for help, and taking that first step is a sign of strength.
Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, stop gambling.