Get Help with Gambling NZ | Helplines & Support Services

When to ask for help

If gambling is no longer fun, if you are spending more than planned, hiding play from family, chasing losses or feeling anxious, it is time to reach out. Support is free and confidential.

NZ helplines

Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 is open 24 hours a day. Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 offers face to face counselling. Salvation Army Oasis on 0800 530 000 supports both individuals and families.

Mapu Maia provides culturally appropriate Pacific support. Asian Family Services supports Asian communities in multiple languages.

Self help tools

Inside your Dude Spin account, set deposit limits, loss limits and session reminders. Use cool off if you need a 24 hour to 30 day break. Use self exclusion for longer breaks ranging from six months to permanent.

Help for family and friends

You do not need to be the gambler to ask for help. Helplines support family members, partners and friends with practical advice and a place to talk.

Common topics include how to start a conversation about gambling, how to support without enabling, how to manage shared finances and how to find local face to face services in your area.

Online resources

Choice Not Chance, the Department of Internal Affairs and the Health Promotion Agency all publish free information on safer gambling. The websites include self assessment tools and direct links to counselling services.

If it is an emergency

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor any time, free of charge. In a life threatening emergency, dial 111.

Counselling formats available in NZ

Free face to face counselling is available across most major cities through the Problem Gambling Foundation and Salvation Army Oasis. Phone and video counselling is available nationwide through Gambling Helpline NZ. Group support sessions and Gamblers Anonymous meetings run weekly in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Dunedin.

Financial support

If gambling has caused financial hardship, free budgeting support is available through MoneyTalks on 0800 345 123 and through Citizens Advice Bureau branches nationwide. Both services help with debt prioritisation, payment plans with creditors and accessing emergency assistance through Work and Income.

Confidentiality and what to expect

All NZ helplines and counselling services are confidential. Personal details are not shared with operators, employers or family members without consent. The first call typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and focuses on understanding your situation. There is no commitment to ongoing sessions, and you can end the call at any time.