Responsible Gambling: Help & Support in NZ
Gambling should always be entertainment — never a way to make money or escape stress. If it stops being fun, help is free, confidential and available 24/7. You are not alone, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
Free New Zealand support services
| Service | Contact | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Helpline NZ | 0800 654 655 · text 8006 | 24/7 free, confidential phone & text support |
| Problem Gambling Foundation NZ | pgf.nz | Free counselling and support for players and whānau |
| Safer Gambling Aotearoa | Via the Helpline | Prevention, education and harm-minimisation |
| Health NZ – gambling harm | health.govt.nz | Government information and service directory |
| Lifeline NZ (crisis) | 0800 543 354 · text 4357 | 24/7 crisis support if you're in distress |
Signs gambling may be a problem
- Spending more time or money than you can afford
- Chasing losses to try to win them back
- Borrowing money or selling things to gamble
- Hiding your gambling from family or friends
- Feeling anxious, guilty or irritable about gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or low mood
If any of these feel familiar, talk to someone today — the Helpline is a good first call.
Tools to stay in control
Deposit & loss limits
Set daily, weekly or monthly limits in your account settings before you play — and stick to them.
Reality checks & time-outs
Enable session reminders and take short "time-out" breaks (24 hours to 6 weeks) when you need them.
Self-exclusion
Block your account for a set period. For multi-site blocking use Gamban or BetBlocker (free).
Never chase losses
Losses are the cost of the entertainment. Chasing them is the fastest route to harm — walk away instead.
Healthy habits
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start
- Never gamble to win back losses or to make income
- Don't gamble while stressed, upset or under the influence
- Balance gambling with other activities you enjoy
- Remember the house always has an edge
Protecting minors
You must be 18+ to gamble online in New Zealand (20 at physical casinos). Keep your account details private, and consider filtering software such as Net Nanny if children use your devices.
Responsible gambling FAQ
Where can I get free gambling help in NZ?
Call the Gambling Helpline NZ free on 0800 654 655 or free-text 8006, 24/7. You can also contact the Problem Gambling Foundation NZ. All support is free and confidential.
How do I self-exclude from online casinos?
Use the self-exclusion option in your account settings, or block across many sites with Gamban or BetBlocker. The Helpline can help set up multi-operator exclusion.
What is the legal gambling age in New Zealand?
18 to gamble online; 20 at physical casinos.