Talk to someone now
You don’t have to work it out alone.
Call the Gambling Helpline or send a text, any time of day.
The service supports people affected by their own gambling and those concerned about someone else. Check the official contact information ↗
Notice when the pattern changes
Signs worth taking seriously include chasing losses, spending money intended for essentials, hiding the amount of time or money spent, or feeling unable to stop. Gambling can also affect sleep, relationships and concentration.
You do not need to diagnose yourself before seeking help. A concern is enough to start a conversation. Safer Gambling Aotearoa offers information about recognising harm and finding local support. Safer Gambling Aotearoa ↗
Make a pause easier
- Close the game or betting session and take some distance from the screen.
- Avoid adding money to recover a loss.
- Use available account breaks, limits or self-exclusion tools.
- Consider bank gambling blocks or device-blocking tools where available.
- Tell someone you trust or contact a support service to discuss your next step.
Tools can help create friction, but they are not a guarantee. Read the scope of an exclusion: a restriction on one account may not cover other brands or devices. A support service can help you work through the options.
If you choose to gamble
Treat the money as an entertainment cost you can afford to lose, not as an investment or a way to pay bills. Set time and spending boundaries before starting. Do not increase them because of a loss, a promotion or a feeling that a win is due.
Keep essential money separate and review actual spending rather than only recent wins. Bonuses can make it harder to judge the amount of money and time involved. There is no requirement to finish a promotion simply because you started it.
Supporting someone else
Choose a calm time to talk about the changes you have noticed and how they affect you. You can seek support even if the person who gambles is not ready to do so. Consider your own financial boundaries and wellbeing too.
The Helpline can discuss concerns from family and friends. You do not need to solve the whole situation before calling.
This site’s boundaries
This guide is intended for adults and provides information, not gambling services. It does not promise income, guaranteed wins or a strategy that removes risk. Promotional and review material should never override a reader’s decision to pause or stop.
A little more clarity.
Can I call if I’m worried about someone else?
Yes. The Gambling Helpline also supports family, friends and others affected by someone’s gambling.
Do I need to be in serious trouble to ask for help?
No. You can contact a support service when you first have questions or concerns.
Does self-exclusion cover every casino?
Do not assume it does. Check the scope of the specific service or account restriction.
Sources & further reading
Original source review: 23 October 2026. Individual operator observations carry their own dates. Terms and guidance can change.