Responsible Gambling NZ: Get Help & Stay in Control

Signs of problem gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, and it often builds gradually. It's not about how much you bet — it's about the impact it has on your life. You might want to seek support if you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended, or than you can afford.
• Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back money you've lost.
• Gambling with money meant for rent, bills, food or family.
• Borrowing money, selling things, or feeling you need to gamble to fix your finances.
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble, or hiding it.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut down or stop.
• Gambling to escape stress, low mood, loneliness or other problems.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships or responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame or regret after gambling — but continuing anyway.

Recognising these signs is not a failure — it's the first and most important step toward getting back in control. Help is free, confidential, and it works.

Tools to stay in control

Every reputable casino and bookmaker we recommend offers built-in tools to help you set boundaries before gambling becomes a problem. We check for these as part of our review methodology. Use them — they're there for you.

Practical steps that help

• Set a budget before you start and treat it like any other entertainment spend — money you're happy to lose for the fun of it.
• Set a time limit and stick to it. Take regular breaks.
• Never gamble to make money or to recover losses. The odds always favour the house over time.
• Don't gamble when upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep gambling in balance with the rest of your life — work, family, friends and hobbies.
• Turn off marketing emails and push notifications so you're not nudged back.
• Use blocking tools like Gamban or bank spending controls to add friction.

Where to get help in New Zealand

You don't have to deal with this alone, and you don't have to be in crisis to reach out. New Zealand has free, confidential, professional support services — for gamblers and for the people who love them.

Gambling and your money

If gambling has led to debt, free budgeting and financial support is available — MoneyTalks offers a free helpline on 0800 345 123. Speaking to your bank about spending controls, and to a financial mentor about a repayment plan, can take real pressure off while you focus on getting well.

Protecting under-18s

Gambling in New Zealand is strictly R18. If children or teenagers share your devices, use parental controls and keep account details private. Never let anyone under 18 gamble on your account. If you're concerned about a young person, the Gambling Helpline can advise on age-appropriate support.

Our commitment

FHINZ is an affiliate site, and we're open about that on our about page. But we will never frame gambling as a way to make money, and we put New Zealand support services on every page we publish. If gambling has stopped being fun for you, please pause, use the tools above, and reach out to one of the services on this page. There is no shame in asking for help, and it is always available.