Responsible gambling

Support

We write about games of chance because they are full of art. But for some people gambling stops being play and starts causing harm. If that’s you, or someone close to you, help in Aotearoa is free, confidential and available every day.

Face-to-face and online counselling is also offered by PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation), including services for families and for Asian communities.

Signs it may be time to talk to someone

• Spending more money or time than you planned, and chasing losses.
• Borrowing, or putting off bills, to keep playing.
• Hiding how much you gamble from the people close to you.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you aren’t playing.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness or other problems.

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to ask for help. A call to the Helpline is a conversation, not a commitment.

Keeping play as play

• Decide on a time and money limit before you start, and stop when you reach it.
• Treat any money spent as the cost of entertainment, never as income.
• Don’t gamble when you’re upset, tired or drinking.
• Take regular breaks and do other things you enjoy.

Venue exclusion

New Zealand casinos and venues with gaming machines run exclusion programmes: you can ask to be banned from entering, for your own protection. Staff at the venue or the Gambling Helpline can explain how it works and help you set it up, including for several venues at once.

Age limits

You must be 20 or older to enter the gambling area of a New Zealand casino, and 18 or older to play gaming machines in pubs and clubs or to bet with the TAB. Everything on Art Murmurs is written for adults.

If someone you love gambles

Gambling harm affects families as much as players. The Gambling Helpline and PGF Services support partners, parents and friends, even if the person who gambles isn’t ready to get help yet.