Last updated: May 2026 — Liam Hargreaves, Shaladarpan
At Shaladarpan, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Player welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Liam Hargreaves and the entire Shaladarpan team are committed to providing New Zealand players with honest, accurate information — not just about games and casinos, but about how to stay in control and play responsibly. This page exists because we genuinely care about the people who visit us, and we want every player to have a safe, positive relationship with gambling.
Online pokies are a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. The house always holds a mathematical edge, and no strategy guarantees a win. If you find yourself gambling with money you cannot afford to lose, chasing losses, or feeling anxious when you are not playing, it may be time to take a step back and assess your habits honestly.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. 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 from one of the organisations listed below.
Reputable online casinos recommended on Shaladarpan provide a range of responsible gambling tools. We strongly encourage all players to use these features proactively, before problems arise.
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much money you can deposit into your casino account. This is one of the most effective ways to keep gambling within a budget you are comfortable with. Deposit limits can be lowered immediately but must go through a cooling-off period before being raised.
Reality check notifications remind you how long you have been playing. These pop-up alerts are a useful tool to pause, reflect, and decide whether you want to continue your session.
If you feel you need a short break from gambling, a cooling-off period allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a set duration — typically 24 hours, one week, or one month. During this time, you will not be able to log in or place bets.
Self-exclusion is a more permanent measure that allows you to block access to your casino account for an extended period, often six months, one year, or indefinitely. Once activated, self-exclusion cannot be reversed until the period expires. New Zealand players can also contact the Department of Internal Affairs for information about national self-exclusion options related to gambling venues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out. Help is available, free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
Shaladarpan operates a strict 18 and over policy. Online gambling is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 in New Zealand, and we fully support age verification measures enforced by licensed casinos. If you suspect a minor is accessing gambling sites, please contact the relevant casino directly or reach out to the Department of Internal Affairs.
We will never pressure you to gamble more, and we will never recommend a casino that fails to take player safety seriously. If gambling stops being fun, please stop playing and seek help. You are always more important than any game. This page was last reviewed and updated by Liam Hargreaves in 2026.