Gambling should be entertainment - an enjoyable hobby providing excitement within your entertainment budget. When it transforms into compulsive behavior affecting finances, relationships, or mental health, intervention becomes essential.
New Zealand provides comprehensive responsible gambling resources and tools helping players maintain control. This guide explains every tool available to Kiwi players, warning signs of problem gambling, and where to seek help across New Zealand.
New Zealand Responsible Gambling Landscape
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) regulates gambling in New Zealand, with several organizations providing player protection:
Regulatory Oversight:- Department of Internal Affairs oversees gambling regulation
- Problem Gambling Foundation provides treatment services
- Gambling Commission monitors land-based operations
Since no licensed NZ-based online casinos exist, Kiwis primarily access offshore casinos. Responsible operators provide comprehensive player protection tools regardless of jurisdiction.
Learn more at dia.govt.nz/gambling.
Deposit Limits: Your First Defense
Deposit limits control how much money you can add to casino accounts within timeframes.
Types of Deposit Limits
Daily Limits:Maximum you can deposit in any 24-hour period
Weekly Limits:Maximum over any 7-day rolling period
Monthly Limits:Maximum within any 30-day rolling period
Setting Appropriate Limits
Base limits on disposable income:
Step 1: Calculate Monthly Disposable IncomeTake-home pay minus:
- Rent/mortgage
- Utilities and bills
- Food and groceries
- Transport
- Insurance
- Debt repayments
- Savings
- Essential expenses
Disposable income covers all entertainment (dining, hobbies, subscriptions, gambling).
Step 3: Set Gambling AllocationGambling shouldn't consume all entertainment spending:
- Casual players: 5-10% of entertainment budget
- Regular players: 15-20% maximum
- Never exceed: 25% of entertainment budget
- Monthly disposable income: $1,200 NZD
- Entertainment allocation: $1,200 NZD
- Gambling budget (10%): $120 NZD
- Monthly deposit limit: $120
- Weekly limit: $30
- Daily limit: $5-10 (if playing daily)
How to Set Deposit Limits
Access limits in casino account settings:
1. Navigate to Account/Profile
2. Find "Responsible Gambling" or "Deposit Limits"
3. Set daily, weekly, and/or monthly limits
4. Confirm limits
5. Limits activate immediately when decreasing
Cooling-Off Periods:Increasing limits requires 24-72 hour waiting periods at most licensed casinos, preventing impulsive increases during losing streaks.
Decreasing limits takes effect immediately.
For deposit method details, see our NZ casino deposits guide.
Loss Limits: Controlling Downside
Some casinos offer loss limits alongside deposit limits:
Loss Limits:Set maximum net losses (deposits minus withdrawals) within timeframes
Difference from Deposit Limits:Deposit limits control money in; loss limits control actual losses. If you deposit $200 but withdraw $150, your net loss is only $50.
Loss limits provide tighter control for players concerned about losing more than intended.
Session Time Limits
Control how long you play:
Session Duration Limits:- 30 minutes
- 1 hour
- 2 hours
System automatically logs you out when time expires, preventing marathon sessions.
Daily Play Time Limits:Some casinos allow setting maximum total daily playing time, logging you out when reached regardless of session breaks.
Reality Checks: Maintaining Awareness
Reality checks interrupt play with reminders showing:
- Time spent gambling in current session
- Net wins or losses
- Total wagered
Configure frequency (15/30/60 minutes) in responsible gambling settings.
Why They Help:Gambling induces flow states where time perception distorts. Reality checks break the trance, prompting conscious decisions about continuing or stopping.
Temporary Cool-Off Periods
Take breaks without permanent self-exclusion:
Time-Out Options
24-48 Hours:Brief break to regain perspective
1 Week:Longer pause when gambling feels excessive
1 Month:Extended break for more serious concerns
During time-outs:
- Cannot log into account
- Cannot deposit or play
- Cannot reverse once activated
Account reopens automatically after period expires.
When to Use:- Feel overwhelmed by losses
- Gambling interfering with responsibilities
- Noticing compulsive urges
- Need space to reassess habits
Self-Exclusion: The Strongest Tool
Self-exclusion completely closes casino accounts for extended periods:
Casino Self-Exclusion
Timeframes:- 6 months minimum typically
- 1 year
- 5 years
- Permanent/indefinite
- Account closed completely
- Cannot create new accounts at that casino
- May extend to casino's sister sites
- Cannot reverse before period ends
Contact casino support to request self-exclusion. Responsible operators process immediately.
Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion (MOSES)
New Zealand offers MOSES - Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme for land-based gambling venues.
Coverage:- NZ casinos (SkyCity, Christchurch Casino, etc.)
- Gaming venues with poker machines
- TAB venues
Contact participating venues directly or through Problem Gambling Foundation.
Note:MOSES covers land-based gambling. Online casino self-exclusion happens individually with each offshore operator.
Recognizing Problem Gambling Signs
Early recognition prevents escalation:
Warning Signs
β Financial:
- Spending more than affordable
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Falling behind on bills due to gambling
- Hiding gambling spending from family
β Behavioral:
- Unable to stop or reduce gambling
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Gambling as escape from problems
- Lying about gambling activities
- Neglecting work or responsibilities
β Emotional:
- Irritability when trying to cut back
- Guilt, shame, or anxiety about gambling
- Preoccupation (constantly thinking about gambling)
- Needing increasing amounts for same excitement
β Relationship:
- Conflicts with family/friends over gambling
- Neglecting relationships for gambling
- Isolation from support systems
- Defensive when questioned
New Zealand Support Resources
Comprehensive free, confidential help is available:
National Resources
Gambling Helpline- Phone: 0800 654 655
- Available 24/7, 365 days per year
- Free and confidential
- Website: gamblinghelpline.co.nz
The Gambling Helpline provides:
- Telephone counseling
- Text support (send "HELP" to 234)
- Live chat support
- Information and referrals
- Website: pgf.nz
- Free face-to-face counseling nationwide
- Online support and resources
- Treatment programs
- Education and training
- Website: gamblersanonymous.org.nz
- Free peer support meetings across New Zealand
- 12-step recovery program
- Completely anonymous
- In-person and online meetings
- Phone: 0800 543 354
- Text: 4357
- General mental health support including gambling concerns
Regional Services
The Problem Gambling Foundation operates clinics and services throughout New Zealand:
Auckland:- Multiple locations across greater Auckland
- MΔori and Pacific services available
- Central Wellington clinics
- Community outreach services
- Post-earthquake recovery support
- Citywide services
- Services available in most major centers
- Mobile services reach rural areas
Contact the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) for referral to your nearest service.
Online Support
The Lowdown- Website: thelowdown.co.nz
- Mental health support for young people including gambling issues
- Phone: 0800 376 633
- Text: 234
- Support for young people
Support for Families and WhΔnau
Problem gambling affects entire families:
Gam-Anon NZ:Support groups for family members affected by someone else's gambling
Family and WhΔnau Support:Problem Gambling Foundation offers dedicated family counseling and support services
Cultural Support
New Zealand offers culturally responsive gambling support:
MΔori Services:Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based services recognizing MΔori world views and cultural practices
Pacific Services:Culturally appropriate support for Pacific communities incorporating Pacific values and approaches
Staying in Control: Best Practices
Maintain healthy gambling habits:
Before Gambling
β Set strict budget limits
β Determine time limits
β Never gamble with borrowed money
β Only gamble when sober and emotionally stable
While Gambling
β Stick to pre-set limits
β Take regular breaks
β Track wins and losses honestly
β Never chase losses
After Gambling
β Review session objectively
β Assess whether limits were maintained
β Consider whether gambling remains enjoyable
β Seek help if concerns arise
The Five-Minute Rule
Before depositing, wait 5 minutes and ask:
1. Can I afford to lose this money?
2. Am I gambling for fun or to solve problems?
3. Have I already reached my limits?
4. Am I trying to chase losses?
5. Will this affect my responsibilities?
If any answer is concerning, don't deposit.
For comprehensive payment information, see our NZ casino payments guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get help for problem gambling in New Zealand?Contact the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 (free, confidential, 24/7) or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz. The Problem Gambling Foundation (pgf.nz) offers free face-to-face counseling nationwide. Gamblers Anonymous provides free peer support meetings across New Zealand.
How do I self-exclude from online casinos in NZ?For land-based gambling, register with MOSES (Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme). For online casinos, contact each offshore casino individually to request self-exclusion. New Zealand doesn't have centralized online casino self-exclusion as no licensed NZ-based online casinos exist.
What are deposit limits and how do they work?Deposit limits control maximum amounts you can deposit at casinos within timeframes (daily, weekly, monthly). Set limits in casino account settings to match your entertainment budget. Decreasing limits takes effect immediately; increasing limits requires 24-72 hour cooling-off periods.
What are the signs of problem gambling?Warning signs include: spending more than affordable, borrowing money to gamble, chasing losses, inability to stop gambling, neglecting responsibilities, lying about gambling, emotional distress related to gambling, and relationship conflicts over gambling. Multiple signs indicate need for professional help.
Are gambling support services free in New Zealand?Yes. The Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655), Problem Gambling Foundation counseling, Gamblers Anonymous meetings, and related support services are completely free and confidential. Services are government-funded to ensure accessibility for all New Zealanders.