Talk to someone in New Zealand
For free, confidential gambling support, call the New Zealand Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or text 8006. Help is available around the clock for people concerned about their own gambling or someone else’s. You do not need to wait until a situation becomes severe to ask a question. Visit the Gambling Helpline or Safer Gambling Aotearoa links below for support information.
Put limits in place early
Choose a spending limit before opening a casino and use only money you can afford to lose after everyday needs are covered. Set a time limit too. A deposit limit is not a target to reach, and winning does not require you to keep playing. Use account controls offered by the operator, and consider asking your bank about gambling payment blocks. No system of stakes or game selection can guarantee a profit.
Recognise when it is no longer entertainment
Chasing losses, borrowing to play, concealing spending, neglecting responsibilities or feeling unable to stop are reasons to pause and seek support. A promotion deadline or a loyalty target does not justify continuing. If gambling is affecting sleep, mood, finances or relationships, talk to someone you trust and contact an independent support service. Someone close to a person who gambles can ask for help too.
Take a break or self-exclude
Use a cooling-off period or ask the operator about self-exclusion if you need a stronger boundary. Ask what the exclusion covers and whether related accounts are included. Do not create a new account or move to another brand to get around it. Remove promotional notifications and consider blocking software as another layer of support. If you have an urgent concern for your immediate safety, contact local emergency services.
Adults only
This guide is for adults aged 18 and over. Individual operator and location requirements may be higher; comply with the rules that apply to you. Keep accounts private and devices secured when children have access. Never let someone else use your account or payment method. Gambling should not be presented as a way to earn income, pay debts or solve money problems.