Gambling should be entertainment – not a source of worry or money problems. This page explains what responsible gambling means, which warning signs to watch for, and where you can get free and confidential help in New Zealand if gambling has become a problem.
nicegear.co.nz is a technology information site, and a small part of it covers online gaming, including sportsbooks and online casinos. We do not sell games, accept bets or encourage anyone to gamble. We think it matters that anyone who chooses to gamble does so safely and with their eyes open.
Do you or someone close to you need help?
Help is free and confidential. You do not have to deal with it alone.
- Gambling Helpline – support by phone, text and online chat, 24 hours a day. Call 0800 654 655 or text 8006. gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- PGF Services (the Problem Gambling Foundation) – free, professional counselling across the country. Call 0800 664 262. pgf.nz
- In an emergency, or if you are worried about someone’s immediate safety, call 111.
What does responsible gambling mean?
Responsible gambling is about staying in control and treating gambling as a form of entertainment, in the same way as a movie or concert ticket. You pay for the enjoyment, and you do it with money you can afford to lose.
The basic idea is that gambling should never come at the cost of your finances, your relationships or your wellbeing. As long as it is fun and you stay within your own limits, it is under control. When it stops being fun, or when you gamble to win back what you have lost, it is time to stop and take stock.
Remember too that pokies, lotteries and casino games are games of chance. No system or routine improves your odds over time, and gambling is never a way to earn or save money.
Simple principles for safer gambling
A few habits help keep gambling at a healthy level. They are less about rules and more about awareness.
- Decide in advance how much money and time you are willing to spend, and stick to it.
- Never gamble with money meant for rent, bills, food or other essentials.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Do not try to win back losses by gambling more.
- Treat any win as a bonus – not as income you can count on.
- Avoid gambling when you are stressed, low or have been drinking, because it is harder to make considered decisions.
Warning signs to watch for
Gambling problems often develop gradually and can be hard to spot, both for the person gambling and for those around them. Common signs include:
- You gamble with more money, or for longer, than you intended.
- You try to win back losses by gambling more.
- You borrow money, or use money meant for other things, to gamble.
- You hide or lie about how much you gamble.
- Thoughts about gambling take up more and more of your day.
- Gambling is affecting your work, finances, sleep or relationships.
- You feel guilt, shame or anxiety connected to your gambling.
You may have a problem even if only one or two of these apply. If you recognise yourself here, reaching out for support is nothing to be ashamed of – it is often the thing that helps most.
Not sure whether your gambling is a problem?
If you are unsure, talking it through with someone who understands is a good first step. A counsellor at the Gambling Helpline can go through your situation with you, free of charge and without judgement – you do not need to be in crisis to call.
Safer Gambling Aotearoa also publishes plain-language information and tips on keeping gambling in check, including how online gambling works.
Where to get help
If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling, there are several independent and free services in New Zealand.
Gambling Helpline is the national helpline for people worried about their own or someone else’s gambling. It is free and available 24 hours a day on 0800 654 655, by text on 8006, or at gamblinghelpline.co.nz. It also runs specialist lines:
- Māori Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 656
- Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 657
- Gambling Debt Helpline – 0800 654 658
- Youth Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 659
PGF Services (the Problem Gambling Foundation) offers free, confidential counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling, face to face and remotely. Call 0800 664 262 or visit pgf.nz.
Asian Family Services provides free gambling support in several Asian languages. Call 0800 862 342 or visit asianfamilyservices.nz.
The Salvation Army Oasis offers free counselling for people harmed by gambling and their families. Call 0800 53 00 00 or visit oasis.salvationarmy.org.nz.
MoneyTalks is a free financial helpline that can connect you with a budgeting service if gambling has led to debt. Call 0800 345 123 or visit moneytalks.co.nz.
Self-exclusion and setting limits
If you want a firm barrier between yourself and gambling, you can ask to be excluded.
- Pubs, clubs and casinos: you can ask a venue to exclude you, and it is required to act on your request. An exclusion can run for up to two years. If you want to be excluded from several venues at once, the Gambling Helpline or PGF Services can help you arrange it.
- Online accounts: TAB NZ and Lotto NZ’s MyLotto let you set spending limits or block yourself from your account. Other online gambling providers generally offer deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion in the account settings.
A counsellor can also help you put other safeguards in place, such as asking your bank about blocking gambling transactions on your cards.
For family and whānau
Gambling harm does not only affect the person who gambles. As a partner, parent, child or friend, you may feel worry, powerlessness and stress. It is important to know that you can ask for support too.
You can contact the Gambling Helpline or PGF Services for your own sake, to get advice on how to handle the situation. Common advice is to talk openly without blaming, to set clear boundaries around money, and not to cover gambling debts – because bailing someone out often makes the problem worse. Look after your own finances and wellbeing as well. In the end, the person gambling has to choose to seek help themselves, but your support can make that choice easier.
Age limits and regulation
Age limits for gambling in New Zealand depend on the type of gambling:
- Casinos: 20 years
- Pokies in pubs and clubs: 18 years
- Betting with the TAB: 18 years
- Instant Kiwi: 18 years
- Licensed online casinos: 18 years
Gambling is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs under the Gambling Act 2003. Online casino gambling is covered by the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which came into force on 1 May 2026. At the time of writing (October 2026), the Department is running the licensing process for a limited number of online casino licences, and operators that have not applied for a licence must stop offering online casino gambling to New Zealanders from 1 December 2026. Online race and sports betting may only be offered in New Zealand by TAB NZ.
Rules in this area are changing, so check the Department of Internal Affairs for the current position.
If you have questions about this page, you are welcome to get in touch through our contact page.