Online gambling should be entertainment and a fun way to spend your time. However, there are times when it becomes more than that and the Fun Stops. Then it is time to take a break or consider quitting altogether.
We at BonusFinder New Zealand promote responsible gambling. All the online casinos and sports betting sites we partner with have the option to set deposit limits or self-exclude for a certain time period or permanently.
We are not medical professionals, but we have gathered information about responsible gambling and gambling harm below. Have a look, reflect, and seek further help if you think you need it.
Gambling in New Zealand - The Facts
Gambling is a mainstream activity in New Zealand, but problem gambling causes significant harm to individuals, families, and communities. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) publishes annual gambling statistics and the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand conducts ongoing research into gambling harm.
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total NZ gambling expenditure annually | ~NZ$2.4 billion | DIA Annual Gambling Report |
| Problem gambling rate (severe) | ~0.4% of adults | NZ Health Survey |
| Moderate-risk gamblers | ~1.4% of adults | NZ Health Survey |
| Gaming machines (pokies) largest spend category | ~NZ$1 billion | DIA Annual Gambling Report |
| Adults who gambled in the past year | ~50% of NZ adults | Problem Gambling Foundation NZ |
| Gambling Helpline contacts per year | ~10,000+ | Gambling Helpline NZ |
Gaming machines commonly known as pokies account for the largest share of gambling expenditure in New Zealand and are most closely associated with gambling harm. The DIA regulates all land-based gambling in New Zealand under the Gambling Act 2003, which sets out harm minimisation requirements for all licensed operators.
Source: DIA Gambling Research, Problem Gambling Foundation NZ Research.
How to Gamble Safely
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) is New Zealand's leading organisation dedicated to preventing and treating gambling harm. Their key guidance for safer gambling aligns with the following principles also recommended by GambleAware for online players:
- Don't think of gambling as a way to make money
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set a money limit in advance
- Set a time limit in advance
- Never chase your losses
- Don't gamble when you're depressed or upset
- Balance gambling with other activities
- Don't take your bank card with you
- Take frequent breaks
- Don't drink or use drugs when gambling
Whilst the list was originally aimed at land based casino goers, it applies equally to online gamblers. We strongly recommend using deposit limits and session time limits available in your account settings at any licensed casino site. The Problem Gambling Foundation NZ also offers a free helpline, counselling, and self-help resources tailored specifically for New Zealanders.
Signs of Gambling Problem
The definition of gambling problem, addiction or disorder varies in different countries and sources. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it gambling disorder and defines it as follows: "gambling disorder involves repeated gambling behaviour that causes significant problems or distress."
According to the APA, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year:
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
- Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Often gambling when feeling distressed
- After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (chasing losses)
- Lying to conceal gambling activity
- Jeopardising or losing a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
- Relying on others to help with problems caused by gambling
If you have felt or done any of the above, you might need to take control of your gambling. The Problem Gambling Foundation NZ offers a free, confidential self-assessment and helpline for New Zealanders.
You Are Not Alone
A literature review published in the Journal of Behavioral Addiction (2016) suggests that problem gambling prevalence worldwide ranges from 0.12% to 5.8%. In New Zealand, the NZ Health Survey estimates around 0.4% of adults experience severe gambling harm and a further 1.4% are at moderate risk meaning tens of thousands of New Zealanders are affected right now.
Whatever the actual prevalence is, you are not alone, and help is available in New Zealand today.
Where to Find Help in New Zealand
The Gambling Helpline NZ (0800 654 655 / text 8006) operates 24/7 and is the fastest point of contact for any player in New Zealand. For ongoing support, the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) runs regional offices across both islands.
| Region | Local PGF Contact | National Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | PGF NZ Auckland: 09 836 2795 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Waikato / Hamilton | PGF NZ Waikato: 07 839 1206 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Bay of Plenty | PGF NZ Bay of Plenty: 07 578 1416 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Wellington | PGF NZ Wellington: 04 384 4877 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Nelson / Marlborough | PGF NZ Nelson: 03 546 8173 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Canterbury / Christchurch | PGF NZ Canterbury: 03 377 5720 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Otago / Dunedin | PGF NZ Otago: 03 477 0590 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Southland | PGF NZ Southland: 03 218 6340 | Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7) |
| Organisation | Contact | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Helpline NZ | 0800 654 655 (24/7) / text 8006 | Free, confidential support for players and whānau across all of New Zealand |
| Problem Gambling Foundation NZ | 0800 664 262 / pgf.nz | Counselling, treatment programmes, whānau support, regional offices nationwide |
| Lifeline NZ | 0800 543 354 (24/7) | Crisis support and mental health helpline available when gambling-related distress requires urgent help |
| Mental Health Foundation NZ | mentalhealth.org.nz | Resources on gambling harm, wellbeing tools, and finding local mental health support |
| Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) | dia.govt.nz/gambling | NZ gambling regulator file a complaint about an operator, check licence status |
Self-Exclusion in New Zealand
Self exclusion is one of the most practical steps you can take if gambling is causing problems in your life. In New Zealand, self-exclusion options exist at both the operator level and through support organisations.
Online Casino Self Exclusion
Most online casino sites accessible to New Zealand players offer self exclusion tools directly in your account settings. The process typically works as follows:
- Log into your account and navigate to Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Self Exclusion.
- Choose your exclusion period options typically include 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or permanent.
- Confirm your request. Your account is closed immediately and all marketing must stop.
- Any remaining balance is returned to you.
TAB New Zealand
TAB New Zealand is the country's licensed sports and racing betting operator. TAB offers a self exclusion programme that prevents you from placing bets in TAB venues and online. Contact TAB directly or visit any TAB outlet to register.
Land Based Casinos and Gaming Venues
All land-based casinos and gaming machine venues in New Zealand are required under the Gambling Act 2003 to operate self exclusion programmes. You can approach any venue directly and ask to be self-excluded. The Department of Internal Affairs oversees compliance more information is available at dia.govt.nz/gambling-self-exclusion.
Need Help Registering?
If you are unsure how to self exclude or need support through the process, the Problem Gambling Foundation NZ (0800 664 262) can assist you directly and advocate on your behalf with operators.
Responsible Gambling Tools at NZ Casinos
All reputable online casino sites available to New Zealand players offer a range of responsible gambling tools. These are free and available in your account at any time. Here is what each tool does and how to use it.
| Tool | What It Does | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week, or month. | Set in Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Deposit Limits. Reductions take effect immediately. Increases typically require a 24-hour cooling-off period. |
| Loss Limits | Caps how much you can lose in a set period. You can continue playing with winnings after hitting your loss limit. | Set in Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Loss Limits. |
| Session Time Limits | Automatically logs you out after a set period of play. | Set your preferred session length in account settings. Useful for preventing extended unplanned sessions. |
| Reality Checks | Sends a notification at regular intervals showing your session time and net spend. | Choose your reminder frequency. Each notification gives you a moment to decide whether to continue. |
| Cool-Off / Time-Out | Temporarily suspends your account for a short period without permanent exclusion. | Available in account settings. Duration typically ranges from 24 hours to 6 weeks. |
| Self-Exclusion | Permanently closes your account for a minimum period. | See the self-exclusion section above. For land based NZ venues, contact the venue directly or the DIA. |
If a site you are using does not offer these tools, we recommend contacting the Gambling Helpline NZ (0800 654 655) for guidance on your options.
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