Responsible Play (NZ)
SocialHubNZ.com provides information only and is not a gambling operator. If you gamble, do so legally and within applicable New Zealand age limits (often 21+, and 20+ for casinos).
Need help right now?
- Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 • Text 8006 • Online chat via gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354
- 1737 Need to Talk: call or text 1737
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
Play safer: practical steps
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start; stop when you reach either limit.
- Don’t chase losses. Treat gambling as entertainment, not income.
- Avoid gambling when stressed, tired, upset, or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
- Track spending (banking/app notes) and keep gambling money separate from bills.
Time-out & self-exclusion
Many NZ gambling providers and venues offer:
- Time-out / cooling-off: a short break where you cannot gamble or log in.
- Self-exclusion: a longer, formal ban from a venue or online service. Ask the provider/venue staff for their self-exclusion process.
- Spending controls: deposit limits, session limits, or account blocks (where available).
You can also consider bank card blocks, gambling merchant blocks, or restricting access on your devices. If you’d like support choosing options, contact the Gambling Helpline.
NZ information & regulator
For official information about gambling in New Zealand (including consumer info and regulatory oversight), see the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) gambling pages: