Responsible Gambling
Betting should be fun. When it stops being fun, it's time to step back. This page is here to help — whether you're looking to set better boundaries, or you're worried about yourself or someone you care about.
Betting should be fun. When it stops being fun, it's time to step back. This page is here to help — whether you're looking to set better boundaries, or you're worried about yourself or someone you care about.
We review and compare betting sites for a living, and we're upfront about that. But we also believe that comes with a responsibility to be honest about the risks.
Betting is entertainment. Like any entertainment that involves money, it works best when you set boundaries before you start. The moment betting starts causing stress, affecting your relationships, or eating into money you need for other things, something has shifted — and it's worth paying attention to that.
This page isn't a tick-box exercise for us. We genuinely want the people who read our site to have a good time with betting, and part of that means knowing when to stop and where to get help if you need it.
Problem gambling doesn't always look dramatic. It often starts small and builds gradually. Here are some signs to watch for in yourself or someone close to you:
If you recognise even a few of these in yourself, that's not something to dismiss. It doesn't mean you're a bad person or that you're broken. It means something has shifted and it's worth talking to someone about it. The NZ Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) is free, confidential, and the people there have heard it all before — there's no judgement.
Take a moment to honestly answer these questions. They're based on screening tools used by gambling support professionals in New Zealand and internationally:
If you answered "yes" to 0 questions — You're likely gambling within healthy limits. Keep setting budgets and sticking to them.
If you answered "yes" to 1-2 questions — You may be at risk. It's a good time to review your limits and be honest with yourself about your habits.
If you answered "yes" to 3-4 questions — You may be experiencing moderate gambling harm. We'd encourage you to speak with someone — the Gambling Helpline is a good starting point.
If you answered "yes" to 5 or more questions — You may be experiencing significant gambling harm. Please reach out for support. Call 0800 654 655 or visit safergambling.org.nz.
The best time to set limits is before you start a betting session, not during one. Here are the types of limits you should consider:
Most reputable betting sites allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Once you hit your limit, the site won't let you deposit more until the period resets. Set this to an amount you can genuinely afford to lose — money that won't be missed for rent, bills, food, or savings.
Some sites offer loss limits separate from deposit limits. This means even if you've deposited money, the site will stop you from betting once you've lost a certain amount. If a site you use offers this, use it.
It's easy to lose track of time when you're betting, especially with live events. Set a timer on your phone or use the site's session time reminder (if available) to prompt you to take a break. A good rule of thumb: take a break every hour, minimum.
Decide on a maximum bet size before you start. Sticking to flat, consistent stakes makes it much harder to spiral. If you find yourself wanting to increase your bet size to "make up for" a loss, that's a clear signal to stop for the day.
If you need to take a break from betting — whether for a few days or much longer — self-exclusion tools can help by blocking your access to betting sites.
Every reputable betting site offers self-exclusion. This typically lets you lock your account for a set period (24 hours, a week, a month, or longer). During this time you won't be able to log in, place bets, or deposit. Most sites require you to contact support to reverse a self-exclusion before the period ends — which creates a deliberate friction that gives you time to reconsider.
Tools like Gamban and BetBlocker block access to gambling websites and apps across all your devices. These work at the device level, meaning they'll block sites even if you try to access them through a new browser or app:
In New Zealand, the Department of Internal Affairs administers the Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE) programme for land-based venues. While this primarily covers physical casinos and TABs, you can request exclusion from TAB NZ's online platform as well. Contact the Gambling Helpline for guidance on the process.
New Zealand has some excellent support services for people affected by gambling harm. All of these are free and confidential:
Free 24/7 helpline for anyone affected by gambling. Trained counsellors who understand gambling issues and can connect you with local support. Text 8006 if you'd rather not call.
safergambling.org.nz →Provides free face-to-face counselling throughout New Zealand for people experiencing gambling harm. Also supports affected family members and whanau.
gamblingfoundation.org.nz →Information, resources, and support for safer gambling in New Zealand. Includes self-help tools, information about local services, and resources for family members.
safergambling.org.nz →Free call or text for anyone experiencing mental distress, including anxiety or depression related to gambling. Available 24/7, staffed by trained counsellors.
1737.org.nz →If gambling has caused financial or legal problems, CAB can provide free advice on debt management, budgeting, and your legal rights.
cab.org.nz →Free financial helpline that can help with budgeting and debt management if gambling has affected your finances. Non-judgemental and practical.
moneytalks.co.nz →If you're worried about someone else's gambling — a partner, family member, friend, or colleague — it can be difficult to know what to do. Here's some guidance:
Research suggests that for every person with a gambling problem, 5-10 other people are affected. If someone else's gambling is impacting your life, you deserve support too. The NZ Gambling Helpline provides free counselling for family members and friends. Call 0800 654 655 or visit safergambling.org.nz.
As a site that reviews betting operators, we recognise our role in promoting responsible gambling. Here's what we do:
"Gambling should only ever be something you do for fun, with money you can afford to lose. The moment it stops being fun, it's time to reach out. There's no shame in asking for help — it's one of the bravest things you can do."