Responsible Gambling

Safer play tools

• Budget limits: set a fixed spending amount per week/month and do not exceed it.
• Time limits: set a start/finish time; use alarms and take regular breaks.
• Loss limits: decide in advance what you can afford to lose; stop when you reach it.
• Keep it separate: don’t use money needed for rent, food, bills, or debt repayments.
• Balance check: track deposits/spend in a simple note or spreadsheet.

Warning signs

Consider taking a break and getting support if you notice: chasing losses, hiding gambling, borrowing to gamble, missing work/study, feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling, or spending more time/money than planned.

Taking a break & self-exclusion

1. Decide the length of your break (e.g., 24 hours, 7 days, or longer).
2. Block access: remove apps, unsubscribe from marketing, and use device/site blocking tools.
3. If you gamble in venues, ask the venue about self-exclusion and how to apply.
4. Tell a trusted person and put barriers in place (limit cash/cards, shared budget check-ins).

NZ support (free & confidential)

• Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 • Text 8006
• Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ: pgf.nz
• Healthline: 0800 611 116
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865)

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111 now.

Regulator information (NZ)

For guidance on gambling rules and harm minimisation in New Zealand, see the Department of Internal Affairs—Gambling: dia.govt.nz/Gambling.