Free support in New Zealand
The Gambling Helpline offers free support on 0800 654 655 or by texting 8006. Its specialist routes include the Māori Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 656 and Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 657.
You can seek help for yourself or because someone else’s gambling affects you. You do not need to wait for a crisis or decide on a label for the problem before speaking to someone.
Practical steps when you want to stop
- Close the gambling session and avoid making another deposit to recover losses.
- Use the operator’s break or self-exclusion option, and keep confirmation of your request.
- Ask your bank what gambling controls are available for your account and which payment types they cover.
- Consider blocking software and help from a trusted person, while keeping control of sensitive passwords and financial credentials.
- Contact a support service to make a plan that fits your situation and your whānau.
Controls vary. A limit at one operator may not apply to another, and a card block may not cover bank transfers or cryptocurrency.
Before setting a money or time limit
Only use money you can afford to lose after essentials, and decide a time limit before opening a gambling session. A bonus is not extra income: it may require substantial turnover and can encourage spending longer than planned. No calculator can make the outcome predictable.
Deposit, loss, wager and session limits measure different things. Check what a control actually limits, whether it covers all products, how quickly a reduction takes effect and what happens if you request an increase.
When to get another perspective
Warning signs can include hiding spending, borrowing to gamble, chasing losses, neglecting commitments or feeling unable to stop at a planned limit. If any of these feels familiar, consider talking to someone you trust and using professional support.
Safer Gambling Aotearoa provides information about recognising harm, staying in control and finding local support. Gambling is not a dependable way to pay bills or solve financial pressure.
For partners, friends and whānau
You can seek support even when the person who gambles is not ready to do so. Focus on concrete concerns, your own wellbeing and household essentials. Avoid taking on responsibility for winning back losses or sharing access to credit as a way to fix the situation.
Maestro is an information website, not a counselling or emergency service. Use the specialist services above for personal support.