Responsible Gambling in New Zealand
Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. Everything on GGsCafe.co.nz is written for adults aged 18 and over. If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, free and confidential help is available across Aotearoa New Zealand, 24 hours a day.
Free gambling support in NZ
- Gambling Helpline NZ – 0800 654 655, free text 8006, 24/7 – gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand – 0800 664 262 – pgf.nz
- Asian Family Services – 0800 862 342 – support in several Asian languages
- Department of Internal Affairs – current rules for players on the DIA "Online gambling for players" page
All of these services also support whānau, friends and partners of people who gamble.
Warning signs of problem gambling
- Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
- Chasing losses by increasing your stake or depositing again.
- Borrowing money, using credit or selling possessions to gamble.
- Hiding gambling or bank statements from whānau or friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or guilty about gambling.
- Missing work, study or family commitments because of gambling.
- Seeing gambling as a way to pay bills or solve money problems.
The Problem Gambling Severity Index asks nine questions like these, each scored from 0 to 3. A total of 8 or more indicates problem gambling. If several of these signs sound familiar, please reach out to one of the services above.
Tools to stay in control
Deposit limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit in your casino account before your first deposit. Lowering a limit usually applies immediately; raising one normally takes 24 hours or more.
Loss and wager limits
Cap how much you can lose or stake in a set period, regardless of how much you deposit.
Session time limits and reality checks
Pokies are fast – a spin every few seconds – which makes it easy to lose track of time. Reality checks show a reminder of how long you have been playing and how much you have won or lost.
Cool-off periods
A short break, typically from 24 hours to six weeks, during which you cannot log in or deposit.
Self-exclusion
Close your account for six months or longer. During self-exclusion the casino must not let you play or send you marketing. Land-based casinos and pub pokie venues in New Zealand also offer exclusion orders on request.
Bank gambling blocks
Several New Zealand banks let you block gambling transactions on your cards through their app or by contacting them. Blocking software for phones and computers adds a further barrier.
Tips for safer play
- Set a budget in NZD before you start, and only use money you can afford to lose.
- Decide on a time limit and take regular breaks.
- Never chase losses.
- Do not gamble when you are stressed, upset or have been drinking.
- Keep gambling separate from money for bills, rent and groceries.
- Balance gambling with other activities you enjoy.
Protecting young people
Online gambling is strictly 18+. Casinos verify age before withdrawals, but parents can add another layer by using device passcodes, parental control software and keeping payment cards and passwords secure.
Our commitment
We only feature casinos that offer deposit limits, cool-off periods and self-exclusion, and we show the Gambling Helpline NZ number on every page. Read more about how we choose casinos in our guide to the best online casinos NZ, and about the new harm minimisation rules in our explainer on online gambling law in NZ.