Last updated: May 2026 — Daniel Hartley, Lodgingandllamas
At Lodgingandllamas, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Daniel Hartley and the entire team behind lodgingandllamas.com are genuinely committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling for every player in New Zealand. We are not just a review platform — we are advocates for your wellbeing. This page exists because we care, and we want every visitor to have the knowledge and tools they need to stay in control.
Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. If at any point the fun stops, it is time to pause, reflect, and reach out for support. You are never alone.
Lodgingandllamas operates a strict 18+ policy. All online casinos and pokie platforms recommended on this site are required to verify the age and identity of every player before allowing real-money play. If you are under 18 years of age, you must not attempt to gamble online. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to use parental control software to prevent underage access to gambling websites.
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. Common signs include:
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, we strongly encourage you to seek support:
All reputable online casinos listed on lodgingandllamas.com provide a range of tools designed to help you stay in control. We encourage every player to make use of these features proactively, not just in a crisis.
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much money you can deposit into your casino account. Once your limit is reached, the platform will prevent further deposits until the period resets. You can usually lower your limit immediately, but increases take a cooling-off period to take effect.
Many platforms allow you to set timed reminders that appear during your session, showing you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. These prompts help you stay aware and make informed decisions about whether to continue.
A cooling-off period lets you take a short break from gambling — typically between 24 hours and several weeks — without permanently closing your account. This is a useful option if you feel your play is becoming excessive but you are not ready for full self-exclusion.
Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily block yourself from accessing a gambling platform for a set period or permanently. In New Zealand, you can contact individual operators directly to request self-exclusion. We recommend documenting your request in writing for your own records.
If you or someone you know needs help right now, please reach out to the following New Zealand-based services:
These globally recognised organisations offer free resources, counselling, and support for players and their families:
We review online pokies platforms to help New Zealand players make informed, safe choices. But we also recognise our responsibility goes beyond ratings and bonuses. If you ever feel that gambling is no longer fun, please use the tools and contacts on this page without hesitation. There is no shame in asking for help — it is one of the bravest things you can do. Play smart, stay safe, and remember that support is always available.