Online casino games should be entertainment – not a source of worry or money problems. This page explains what responsible gambling means, which warning signs to look out for, how you can set limits, and where you can get free and confidential help if gambling has become a problem.
New-Casinos.nz is an information site. We do not offer gambling and we do not encourage anyone to gamble. We think it matters that people who choose to gamble do so safely and with their eyes open.
Do you or someone close to you need help?
Help is free and confidential. You do not have to deal with it alone.
- Gambling Helpline – support by phone, text and web chat for people who gamble and for their family and friends, 24 hours a day. Call 0800 654 655, text 8006 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
- PGF Services (formerly the Problem Gambling Foundation) – free counselling and support. Call 0800 664 262 or visit pgf.nz.
- Need to talk? 1737 – call or text 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 111.
What does responsible gambling mean?
Responsible gambling is about staying in control and treating gambling as a form of entertainment, in the same way as a ticket to a film or a concert. You pay for the enjoyment, and you do it with money you can afford to lose.
A basic idea is that gambling should never come at the expense of your finances, your relationships or your wellbeing. As long as it is fun and you stay within your own limits, it is under control. When it stops being fun, or when you gamble to win back what you have lost, it is time to stop and take stock.
Remember too that casino games are games of chance. Every game has a built-in house edge, which means the casino comes out ahead over time. No system or betting pattern changes that, so gambling is never a way to earn or save money.
Simple principles for safer gambling
A few habits help keep gambling at a healthy level. They are less about rules and more about awareness.
- Decide in advance how much money and time you want to spend, and stick to it.
- Never gamble with money meant for bills, rent, food or other essentials.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Do not try to win back losses by gambling more.
- Treat any winnings as a one-off – not as income you can count on.
- Read the terms of a bonus before you accept it, as wagering requirements can encourage you to play for longer than you planned.
It is also wise not to gamble when you are stressed, feeling low or have been drinking, because it is harder to make considered decisions.
Warning signs of gambling harm
Gambling problems often develop gradually and can be hard to spot, both for the person gambling and for the people around them. Common signs include:
- You gamble with more money, or for longer, than you intended.
- You try to win back losses by gambling more.
- You borrow money, or use money meant for other things, to gamble.
- You hide or lie about how much you gamble.
- Thoughts about gambling take up more and more of your day.
- Gambling is affecting your work, finances, sleep or relationships.
- You feel guilt, shame or anxiety about your gambling.
Gambling can be a problem even if only one of these signs applies to you. If you recognise yourself here, there is nothing wrong with asking for support – it is often what helps most.
Check your gambling habits
If you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem, a short self-check can give you an indication. PGF Services offers a free online screening tool at pgf.nz, and Safer Gambling Aotearoa has practical information on keeping gambling in check, including online gambling.
You can also call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 and talk your situation through with a counsellor. You do not have to give your name.
Tools for setting limits
Most online casinos have tools in the account settings that help you keep control. They are worth setting up before you start playing, not after things have gone wrong.
- Deposit limits cap how much you can pay in per day, week or month.
- Loss and wager limits cap how much you can lose or stake over a set period.
- Session reminders and time limits tell you how long you have been playing, or log you out after a set time.
- Time-outs block your account for a short period, such as a day or a week.
- Self-exclusion closes your account for a longer period, during which you cannot play or deposit.
If you gamble at venues in New Zealand, such as casinos, pubs and clubs with pokies, you can exclude yourself from several venues at once through a multi-venue exclusion. The Gambling Helpline and other gambling harm services can help you arrange it.
Where to get help
If you or someone close to you is having problems with gambling, there are several independent and free services in New Zealand.
Gambling Helpline is a national service for people who gamble and for their family and friends. It offers free, confidential support by phone, text and web chat around the clock, and can refer you to face-to-face services near you. Call 0800 654 655, text 8006 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz. The Helpline also runs specialist lines:
- Māori Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 656
- Pasifika Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 657
- Gambling Debt Helpline – 0800 654 658
- Youth Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 659
PGF Services provides free counselling for people affected by gambling, including family members. Call 0800 664 262 or visit pgf.nz.
Asian Family Services offers free support in several Asian languages. Call 0800 862 342 or visit asianfamilyservices.nz.
The Salvation Army Oasis offers free face-to-face counselling for gambling harm. Call 0800 53 00 00 or visit oasis.salvationarmy.org.nz.
MoneyTalks is a free financial helpline that can connect you with a budgeting service if gambling has caused money problems. Call 0800 345 123 or visit moneytalks.co.nz.
You can also talk to your GP, who can refer you to further support.
If you are a family member or friend
Gambling harm does not only affect the person who gambles. As someone close to them, you may feel worry, helplessness and stress. It is important to know that you can ask for support too.
You can contact the Gambling Helpline or PGF Services for your own sake, to get advice on how best to handle the situation. Common advice is to talk openly without blaming, to set clear boundaries around money, and not to cover gambling debts – because financial rescue often makes the situation worse. Remember that a person has to choose to seek help themselves.
Online casinos and the law in New Zealand
Online casino gambling in New Zealand is regulated by the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which came into force on 1 May 2026. The Act introduces a licensing system for online casinos, run by the Department of Internal Affairs, with a limited number of licences available.
Licensed operators have to meet New Zealand’s rules on harm prevention and consumer protection, and a public register is planned so that players can see who holds a licence. During the transition to the new system, online casinos are not allowed to advertise to people in New Zealand, and from 1 December 2026 operators that have not applied for a licence must stop offering online casino gambling here.
Because the rules are changing, always check the Department of Internal Affairs’ website for the current position before you sign up anywhere. An operator licensed only by an overseas authority is not covered by New Zealand’s player protections.
Age limits
Online casino gambling in New Zealand is for people aged 18 and over. The same age limit applies to betting with the TAB, Instant Kiwi scratch tickets and gaming machines in pubs and clubs. You must be 20 or over to enter a land-based casino.
New-Casinos.nz is intended for adults aged 18 and over. For more about how we work, see our About us page, or get in touch through our contact page.
