Responsible Gambling
Guidance for safer play on luckoranz.com (New Zealand). If gambling is no longer fun or feels hard to control, get support early.
Safer play basics
- Set a budget and time limit before you start; stop when you reach either limit.
- Only spend money you can afford to lose; avoid chasing losses.
- Take regular breaks and balance play with other activities.
- Avoid gambling when upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
- Gambling is generally restricted to people aged 18+ in New Zealand (some venues require 20+).
Controls (time-out, self-exclusion, spending)
You can reduce risk by using optional limits and blocks:
- Time-out: take a short break from play (hours/days) to reset.
- Self-exclusion: request a longer exclusion period. For venue-based gambling, ask the operator/venue about self-exclusion and how it applies.
- Spend controls: set a weekly/monthly cap; remove saved payment methods to reduce impulse spending.
- In-app purchases: use device/app store tools such as Apple Screen Time (Restrictions) or Google Play Family controls/Digital Wellbeing; require a password/biometric for purchases.
Need help setting controls? Email [email protected].
Warning signs
- Spending more time or money than intended, or hiding gambling activity.
- Chasing losses, borrowing money, or selling things to gamble.
- Neglecting work/study, relationships, sleep, or responsibilities.
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling.
Get help in New Zealand
Gambling Helpline (NZ)
Free, confidential support for you or someone you care about.
Phone: 0800 654 655 • Text: 8006 • Web: gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Immediate mental health support
Call or text 1737 any time to talk with a trained counsellor. In an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger, call 111.
Other support and information
- Department of Internal Affairs (Gambling): dia.govt.nz/Gambling
- Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ: pgf.nz