Responsible Gambling

At Ruby Fortune, your entertainment and wellbeing are our highest priorities. We want every punter who visits our site to enjoy the thrill of our pokies and table games in a way that remains fun, controlled, and sustainable. Gambling should always be viewed as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money. While the vast majority of our players enjoy their time with us responsibly, we recognize that for some, the experience can become challenging.

We are fully committed to fostering a safe environment. We operate with transparency and empathy, ensuring that if you ever feel that your gameplay is becoming more than just a bit of fun, you have the tools, support, and resources needed to regain control. If you are keen to keep your hobby "sweet as," understanding the mechanics of play and recognizing the signs of risky behavior is the best place to start.

Understanding Your Play

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of spinning the reels on your favorite pokies. However, maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling requires awareness. We encourage you to take regular stock of your habits. Ask yourself:

Do you play until your last dollar is gone?
Are you chasing losses in the hope of a big win?
Do you feel irritable or restless when you are not playing?
Is gambling impacting your relationships, work, or general happiness?

If the answer to any of these is yes, it is time to take a step back. Remember, the house edge is a reality of every game. Playing should never be an attempt to solve financial problems or a way to escape reality.

Tools to Maintain Control

We provide a robust suite of tools designed to help you set boundaries before you even begin your session. Utilizing these features is a mark of a smart player, not a sign of weakness.

Deposit Limits

Setting a deposit limit is the most effective way to manage your budget. You can choose to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much NZD you can fund into your account. Once your limit is reached, you will be unable to make further deposits until the period resets. This prevents impulsive decisions and ensures you only play with money you have set aside specifically for entertainment.

Session Reminders

It is easy to lose track of time when you are on a winning streak or deeply immersed in a game. Our session reminders provide a pop-up alert at intervals of your choosing, reminding you how long you have been playing. This is a gentle nudge to take a break, stretch your legs, and re-evaluate your session.

Cooling-Off Periods

If you feel that you need a short break from the action, you can opt for a cooling-off period. This allows you to restrict your account access for a duration ranging from 24 hours up to six weeks. During this time, you will not be able to log in or deposit, giving you the space to refresh your perspective and ensure that your gambling remains a healthy part of your life.

Self-Exclusion

For those who feel they need a more significant break, we offer a comprehensive self-exclusion program. This allows you to block access to your account for a long-term period, usually starting at six months. During this time, we will make every effort to ensure you do not receive marketing communications and that you cannot reactivate your account. This is a serious step, and we encourage you to use it if you feel you are losing control.

Managing Your Finances

Trust is the foundation of our relationship with New Zealand players. We ensure that our processes, from using NZD accounts to facilitating fast withdrawals, are designed with your security in mind. When you use trusted methods like POLi for bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, or e-wallets like Neosurf, keep these tips in mind:

Never use credit to gamble. Only play with money that is truly yours and that you have designated for leisure.
Separate your gambling funds from your essential living expenses, such as rent, groceries, and bills.
Treat any losses as the cost of the entertainment provided, similar to the price of a movie ticket or a meal out.
Never view a withdrawal as "extra income." Always cash out your winnings promptly.

Recognizing the Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling, or compulsive gambling, is a condition that affects many people. It is characterized by an inability to resist the urge to gamble, despite negative personal or social consequences. Recognizing the signs early can prevent a difficult situation from escalating.

Common indicators include:

Preoccupation with gambling, often planning your next session throughout the day.
Increasing the amount of money or the intensity of play to achieve the same "buzz."
Lying to friends, family, or partners about how much time or money is spent on pokies.
Gambling to escape from feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress.
Borrowing money to cover gambling losses or to continue playing.

If you recognize these behaviors in yourself or someone close to you, please do not wait for the situation to get worse. Reaching out is the bravest and most effective step you can take.

Support Services in New Zealand

You are never alone, and there is a wealth of support specifically tailored to the New Zealand community. If you feel that you need professional help or just want to speak with someone who understands what you are going through, please reach out to these dedicated resources:

The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand is a leading organization offering free, confidential, and professional support to anyone affected by gambling. They provide counseling, education, and resources to help you reclaim your life. You can contact them at 0800 664 262. Their team is ready to listen and provide the guidance you need to move forward.

Additionally, the Gambling Helpline New Zealand provides 24/7 support. They offer a non-judgmental ear and can connect you with local services in your specific area. Whether you are in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or a smaller community, help is always just a phone call away.

Remember, these organizations are here to support you, not to judge you. Chur to all the hardworking professionals at these organizations for the vital work they do for our community.

Protecting Minors

At Ruby Fortune, we take our responsibility to prevent underage gambling extremely seriously. Gambling is strictly for adults. We employ rigorous verification processes to ensure that every player is of legal age. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to use filtering software to restrict access to gambling websites on shared devices. If you believe a minor is using our services, please contact our support team immediately so we can take the necessary action.

Our Commitment to Fairness

We understand that trust and transparency are what matter most to New Zealand players. Our commitment to responsible gambling extends to the integrity of our games. Every pokie and table game is audited by independent third-party testing agencies to ensure that outcomes are fair and completely random. While the games are fair, it is vital to remember that they are designed with a mathematical advantage for the house. Responsible play involves accepting that losing is part of the game.

Moving Forward

We want your time with us to be a positive experience. If you ever find that the excitement has turned into stress, please utilize our tools or reach out to the support services mentioned above. You can also contact our customer support team directly; our agents are trained to assist with responsible gambling inquiries and can help you set up your limits or initiate a cooling-off period.

It is possible to enjoy the thrill of the chase while keeping your life in balance. Stay mindful, stay within your limits, and remember that when the fun stops, it is time to stop. We are here to support you in maintaining a healthy, enjoyable experience. If you ever feel overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust, or contact the experts who can provide the professional guidance you deserve. Your wellbeing is worth more than any win, and we are committed to helping you protect it.