A New Zealand perspective
Responsible Gambling
Free, confidential gambling help in New Zealand. Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655, deposit limits, self-exclusion and the signs of problem gambling.
Gambling can be harmful. Mangawhai Walking is an 18+ site, and we want every reader to stay in control. If gambling has stopped being fun, help in New Zealand is free, confidential and available right now.
Need help today? Call the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655
— 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — or text 8006. It's free and confidential.
Where to get help in New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ — 0800 654 655 (24/7 phone, text and web chat).
- Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand — free counselling: pgf.nz.
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa — support and self-help tools.
- Mapu Maia — Pasifika gambling-harm services; Hāpai te Hauora for Māori communities.
- Health line — 0800 611 116 for general health advice.
Tools to stay in control
- Deposit limits: cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month in your account settings.
- Loss and wager limits: set a ceiling on losses or total bets.
- Reality checks: timed reminders of how long you've been playing.
- Time-outs: lock yourself out for 24 hours up to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion: close access for months or years when you need a longer break.
Signs gambling may be a problem
- Spending more than you can afford, or chasing losses to win them back.
- Borrowing money, or hiding how much you gamble from family.
- Gambling to escape stress, or feeling anxious and irritable when you stop.
- Gambling getting in the way of work, study or relationships.
If any of these feel familiar, reach out — talking to the Gambling Helpline is a confidential first step, not a commitment to anything.
Protecting people under 18
You must be 18 or over to gamble in New Zealand. If children share your devices, consider filtering tools such as GamBan or Gamblock, and keep account logins private.