Responsible Gaming
Practical guidance and New Zealand support resources for safer play. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.
Safer play guidelines
- Set a budget and time limit before you play; never chase losses.
- Gamble only with money you can afford to lose (not rent, bills, or credit).
- Avoid gambling when stressed, depressed, or using alcohol/drugs.
- Take breaks and keep gambling one form of entertainment—not a way to make income.
- Do not allow underage gambling. In New Zealand, gambling is generally restricted to adults (20+ for casino-style gambling under the Gambling Act 2003 (NZ)).
Warning signs
- Spending more time/money than planned
- Lying about gambling or hiding activity
- Borrowing money, missing work/school, relationship conflict
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop
Self-exclusion & limits
If you gamble with a licensed New Zealand operator, ask about deposit/loss/time limits and cooling-off tools. Casino and venue-based self-exclusion programmes are administered nationally under the Gambling Act 2003 and overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs. Programme availability and rules apply consistently across New Zealand, regardless of gambling product (casino, TAB, NZ Lotteries, etc.).
Get help (NZ)
Gambling Helpline Aotearoa: Call or text 0800 654 655 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
1737 — Need to Talk?: Call or text 1737 or visit 1737.org.nz.
1737 (Need to Talk?) (mental health and addiction support): 1737 (Need to Talk?) or 1737.org.nz.
All of New Zealand: free, confidential help is available 24/7 via 0800 654 655; for online or text support, contact 0800 654 655 (Gambling Helpline Aotearoa). For nationwide support options and online tools, see Gambling Helpline Aotearoa resources.
Regulators & additional information
- Department of Internal Affairs — Gambling (regulator, responsible gambling information): dia.govt.nz/Gambling
- If you are using a licensed gambling service, consult the Department of Internal Affairs or the relevant operator’s website for official self-exclusion and complaint processes.