Last updated: May 2026 — Liam Hargreaves, Theartmuse
At Theartmuse, run by Liam Hargreaves, we believe that enjoying online pokies in New Zealand should always be a fun and entertaining experience — never a source of stress, harm, or financial hardship. This page exists because we genuinely care about the wellbeing of every player who visits theartmuse.me. Responsible gaming is not a legal checkbox for us; it is a core part of everything we do in 2026 and beyond.
Gambling, including playing online pokies, carries real risks. When it stops being entertainment and starts affecting your relationships, finances, or mental health, it is time to take action. We are here to help you recognise the signs early and find the right support.
Theartmuse operates a strict 18+ only policy. All casinos we recommend must verify the age of every player before allowing real-money play. If you are under 18 years of age, you are not permitted to gamble on any platform listed on this site. If you suspect a minor is accessing gambling services, please contact the relevant casino's support team immediately.
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Recognising the warning signs early is one of the most important steps toward getting help. Common signs include:
If any of these signs feel familiar, please know that you are not alone and support is available right now.
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. The more times you answer yes, the more important it is to seek help or take a break.
All reputable online casinos recommended by Theartmuse offer a range of built-in tools designed to keep you in control. We strongly encourage every player to use them.
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much money you can deposit. This tool prevents overspending before it becomes a problem. Once a limit is set, responsible casinos require a cooling-off period before any increase takes effect.
Reality check reminders alert you at regular intervals during a session, letting you know how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. These short prompts help you stay aware of time and money.
A cooling-off period lets you temporarily pause your account for a set amount of time — from 24 hours up to several weeks. This is useful if you feel your gambling is becoming impulsive and you need space to reassess.
Self-exclusion allows you to close your casino account for an extended period, typically from six months to five years or permanently. Once activated, you cannot reopen your account during the exclusion period. New Zealand players can also contact individual casinos directly or use national self-exclusion support services.
If you are in New Zealand and need to talk to someone urgently, the following free helplines are available:
The following organisations provide free, confidential support, self-help tools, and professional counselling for anyone affected by problem gambling:
Liam Hargreaves and the entire Theartmuse team want every New Zealand player to enjoy online pokies safely, responsibly, and within their means. Gambling should always be a choice, never a compulsion. If you ever feel that the fun has gone and the game has taken over, please reach out to one of the organisations above. There is no shame in asking for help — it is the strongest move you can make.