This is a short piece because the message is short: the tools exist, they work, and using them early is far easier than using them late.
The numbers
- Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 — free, confidential, 24 hours a day.
- Text: 8006 — the same service by message.
- Age: 18 and over for online gambling and TAB betting; 20 and over to enter a land-based
casino.
The tools
| Tool | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Inside any casino or betting account | Everyone, set at registration |
| Loss limit | Some operators | Anyone who chases losses |
| Session reminder | Account settings | Long sessions on mobile |
| Time-out | Account settings | A short break without closing the account |
| Self-exclusion | Account settings | Stopping for six months or more |
| Multi-Venue Exclusion | Regional providers such as the Salvation Army | Excluding from Class 4 pokies venues in one process |
| Card gambling block | Your bank | Removing the ability to deposit entirely |
| Support and counselling | Gambling Helpline, Safer Gambling Aotearoa | Talking it through, for players and families |
Two points people miss
Self-exclusion does not travel. Offshore casino brands are separate companies, so excluding yourself from one does not exclude you from another. If you self-exclude, do it everywhere and add a card block.
Multi-Venue Exclusion covers venues, not online. It is designed for Class 4 pokies venues. Online, account self-exclusion plus a card-level block is the practical combination.
When to use them
The honest answer is earlier than feels necessary. A deposit limit set at registration, when it has no emotional weight, prevents far more harm than a self-exclusion requested after a bad night. If you are wondering whether you should set a limit, set the limit.
Free, confidential help is available at any hour on 0800 654 655.