Responsible gambling:
help & support
for Kiwis.
Gambling should be fun β a bit of entertainment, never a way to make money or escape your problems. This page is here to help you stay in control, recognise when things are going wrong, and find free, confidential help in New Zealand whenever you need it.
Need help right now?
If gambling is harming you or someone you love, you don't have to face it alone. Call the Gambling Helpline NZ free on 0800 654 655 or text 8006 β 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's free, confidential, and you can talk to a real person any time.
Our commitment
[ 01 ]BarberBoats exists to help New Zealanders make informed, safer choices about gambling. We only feature operators that provide genuine responsible-gambling tools, and we score every site partly on how well it protects its players. But no tool replaces good habits. We'd rather you gambled a little, enjoyed it, and walked away happy than chased a loss you couldn't afford. If reading this page makes you decide to take a break, we'll count that as a good day's work.
The short version
- Gambling is entertainment, not income β never bet to make money or pay bills.
- Set limits before you play β deposit limits, loss limits and time-outs all help.
- The house always has an edge β no system beats it over time.
- Free help is 24/7 β Gambling Helpline NZ 0800 654 655 or text 8006.
- You must be 18+ to gamble online (20+ for NZ land-based casinos).
Gambling is entertainment, not income
[ 02 ]The single most important idea on this page is this: gambling is a form of paid entertainment, like going to a movie or a concert. You pay for the experience, and sometimes you get a bit back. Over time, the maths is designed so the operator wins β that's how they stay in business. If you treat the money you gamble as the cost of an evening's fun, and you're happy to lose it, you're in a healthy place. If you're gambling to make money, recover losses, or escape stress, that's when it stops being fun and starts becoming harmful.
Signs of problem gambling β a checklist
[ 03 ]Gambling harm can creep up slowly. Have an honest look at the list below. The more of these that sound like you (or someone you know), the more it's worth reaching out for a chat.
Warning signs
- Spending more money or time gambling than you meant to.
- Betting money you need for rent, bills, food or family.
- Chasing losses β betting more to try to win back what you've lost.
- Borrowing money, selling things, or lying to fund gambling.
- Feeling anxious, guilty or irritable about your gambling.
- Gambling to escape stress, boredom, loneliness or low mood.
- Hiding your gambling from partners, family or friends.
- Arguments at home about money or time spent gambling.
- Neglecting work, study, sleep or relationships to gamble.
- Trying to cut down or stop, but not being able to.
A quick self-assessment
[ 04 ]Ask yourself these questions honestly. There are no right answers β they're just a way to check in with yourself.
Have I bet more than I could really afford to lose?
If the money you gamble is money you need for living costs, that's a clear warning sign. Only ever gamble with money left over after your essentials are covered.
Have I needed to gamble with bigger amounts to get the same excitement?
Needing larger stakes to feel the same buzz is a sign gambling is taking a stronger hold. Consider setting a firm deposit limit.
Have I gone back another day to try to win back what I lost?
Chasing losses is one of the most common paths into harm. Losses are the cost of the entertainment β they are not a debt to be recovered.
Have I borrowed money or sold anything to gamble?
If gambling is pushing you into debt or selling possessions, it's time to talk to someone. Free, confidential help is available now on 0800 654 655.
Has my gambling caused stress, anxiety or problems at home?
Gambling that affects your mood, sleep or relationships is affecting your wellbeing. You deserve support β reach out to any of the services below.
If you answered “yes” to any of these, it doesn't mean you have a problem β but it does mean it's worth talking to someone. The Gambling Helpline NZ team on 0800 654 655 speaks to people at every stage, with no judgement.
Tools to stay in control
[ 05 ]Every reputable operator offers responsible-gambling tools in your account settings. Use them before you feel out of control β they work best as guardrails, not emergency brakes.
π° Deposit limits
Cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month. Once you hit it, you can't add more β a simple, powerful way to keep spending in check.
π Loss limits
Set the most you're willing to lose over a period. When you reach it, play stops. This protects you even on a bad night.
βΈοΈ Time-outs (cool-off)
Lock yourself out for a short period β 24 hours, a week, a month β to take a breather when you need one.
β° Reality checks
Pop-up reminders that show how long you've been playing and how much you've spent, so time doesn't slip away.
π« Self-exclusion
Block yourself from an operator for months, years or permanently. During exclusion you can't log in or receive marketing.
π Marketing opt-out
Turn off promotional emails, texts and push notifications so you're not tempted back by bonus offers.
How to self-exclude
[ 06 ]Self-exclusion is one of the strongest steps you can take. Here's how:
- On a single operator: open your account settings, find “Responsible Gambling” or “Self-exclusion”, and choose a period. If you can't find it, contact their live chat and ask to be self-excluded.
- Across all sites and apps: install blocking software (see below) on every device you use.
- With extra support: call the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 β they can help you set up exclusions and put a wider support plan in place.
Blocking software
Free and low-cost tools like Gamban and BetBlocker block thousands of gambling sites and apps across all your devices. BetBlocker is free and lets you set a lockout you can't easily undo β useful during a self-exclusion period.
Protecting minors
[ 07 ]Gambling is strictly for adults. You must be 18 or over to gamble online in New Zealand, and 20 or over to enter a New Zealand land-based casino. If you share devices with young people, please take these steps:
- Never let anyone under 18 use your gambling accounts, and don't gamble in front of children as a “bit of fun”.
- Log out and keep passwords and payment details private.
- Install filtering and blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker, and use built-in parental controls on devices and networks.
- Talk openly with young people about the risks of gambling.
The myths that cost people money
[ 08 ]Problem gambling is fuelled by a few persistent myths. Knowing the truth helps you stay in control.
“I'm due for a win.”
This is the gambler's fallacy. Each spin, hand or draw is independent β a machine that hasn't paid out is no more “due” than one that just did. Past results never change future odds.
“I can win it back if I keep playing.”
Chasing losses is the fastest route to bigger losses. The longer you play, the more the house edge grinds down your money. Walking away is the only reliable way to stop a loss growing.
“I've got a system that beats the house.”
No betting system β Martingale, card counting apps, “hot” number tracking β changes the built-in mathematical edge. Over time the house edge wins. Systems only change how quickly you lose, not whether you do.
“Skill will make me profitable.”
Skill can help in some games, but pokies and roulette are pure chance, and even skill-based games keep an edge for the operator. Treat any winnings as a lucky bonus, never an expectation.
New Zealand help services
[ 09 ]All of these services are free and confidential. You can call for yourself or on behalf of someone you're worried about. You don't need to be “in crisis” to reach out β a quick chat early on can make all the difference.
| Service | What they do | How to reach them |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Helpline NZ | Free, confidential gambling support and counselling, 24/7 | 0800 654 655 Β· Text 8006 |
| Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ | Free face-to-face and phone counselling for gamblers and their whΔnau | 0800 664 262 |
| Choice Not Chance | Information, self-help tools and awareness about gambling harm | choicenotchance.org.nz |
| Safer Gambling Aotearoa | Support and resources for reducing gambling harm in NZ communities | Ask the Gambling Helpline for a referral |
| Lifeline Aotearoa | Confidential support for emotional distress and crisis, 24/7 | 0800 543 354 |
| Need to Talk? | Free national mental-health support β talk or text with a trained counsellor | Call or text 1737 |
Worried about someone else?
Gambling harm affects families, not just the person gambling. Every service above supports whΔnau and friends too β you can call for advice on how to help someone you love, and how to look after yourself.
Frequently asked questions
[ 10 ]Is contacting these services really free and confidential?
Yes. The Gambling Helpline NZ, Problem Gambling Foundation, Lifeline and Need to Talk are all free to call or text and treat your contact confidentially. You can stay anonymous if you prefer.
How do I set a deposit or loss limit?
Log in to the operator, open account or “Responsible Gambling” settings, and set your limit. It usually takes effect immediately; increases often have a cooling-off delay.
Can I block gambling sites on my phone and laptop?
Yes β install blocking software like Gamban or BetBlocker on every device. BetBlocker is free and can be set so you can't easily switch it off.
How old do I have to be to gamble in NZ?
You must be 18+ to gamble online and 20+ to enter a New Zealand land-based casino. Operators verify your age during sign-up.
Does taking a break mean I have a gambling problem?
Not at all. Taking a time-out or setting limits is smart, healthy behaviour β it's how you keep gambling fun and in its place.
This page provides general information and support signposting, not medical, legal or financial advice. Last updated 15 July 2026.
π Gamble for fun, not to make money
Only bet what you can afford to lose, set deposit and time limits, and never chase losses. You must be 18+ to gamble online (20+ for New Zealand's land-based casinos). If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential help is available 24/7.