Responsible Gambling New Zealand

Gambling in New Zealand: The Legal Framework

Gambling in New Zealand is regulated under the Gambling Act 2003, which establishes the legal framework for all forms of gambling in the country. The Act is built on the principle that gambling should be managed in a way that prevents and minimises gambling harm while recognising that gambling is a legitimate recreational activity for many New Zealanders.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the primary government agency responsible for regulating gambling in New Zealand. The DIA oversees the licensing of gambling operators, enforces compliance with the Gambling Act, and works to prevent illegal gambling activity. The DIA also administers the problem gambling levy, which funds services for people affected by gambling harm.

Under New Zealand law, the minimum age for gambling is 20 years old. This applies to casino gambling, sports betting through the TAB, and participation in most forms of gambling. However, individuals aged 18 and over may purchase Lotto tickets and instant scratch tickets. It is an offence for gambling operators to allow underage persons to gamble, and operators are required to verify age before allowing participation.

Key Regulatory Bodies

• Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) — the lead regulatory body that licenses and monitors gambling operators, enforces the Gambling Act, and administers the problem gambling levy.
• Gambling Commission — an independent body that hears appeals related to gambling licensing decisions and casino operator agreements.
• Ministry of Health — responsible for funding and overseeing problem gambling services, including treatment, counselling, and public health initiatives.

Recognising Gambling Harm

Gambling harm is a broad term that encompasses any negative consequence that arises from gambling, whether financial, emotional, relational, or health-related. In New Zealand, it is estimated that around 72,000 adults experience moderate-risk or problem gambling, and the effects of gambling harm extend to families, whanau, and communities.

Gambling harm does not always look the same. It can range from occasional overspending to severe financial distress and relationship breakdown. The following signs may indicate that gambling is becoming a problem:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or going into debt to fund gambling.
• Feeling anxious, stressed, or guilty about your gambling.
• Lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend on gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Chasing losses by gambling more in an attempt to win back money.
• Finding it difficult to control, reduce, or stop gambling.
• Using gambling to escape from problems, stress, or difficult emotions.
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back on gambling.
• Gambling having a negative impact on your relationships, health, or finances.

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it is important to reach out for support. Gambling harm can be treated, and help is available at no cost in New Zealand.

Gambling Harm Minimisation

New Zealand's approach to gambling regulation is grounded in harm minimisation. This means that the regulatory framework is designed not only to prevent problem gambling from developing, but also to reduce the harm experienced by those who are already affected. Key harm minimisation measures in New Zealand include:

Venue and Operator Obligations

All gambling venues and operators in New Zealand are required to have a host responsibility programme. This includes training staff to identify signs of problem gambling, providing information about support services, and implementing procedures for interacting with patrons who may be experiencing gambling harm. Casinos and TAB venues must also display information about the Gambling Helpline and other support services in prominent locations.

Self-Exclusion (Multi-Venue Exclusion)

New Zealand offers a multi-venue exclusion (MVE) programme that allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from multiple gambling venues at once. Through the MVE programme, you can exclude yourself from casinos, TAB venues, and Class 4 gaming machine venues (pubs and clubs with pokies) for a minimum period of two years. To enrol in the programme, you can contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or visit a participating venue.

Individual casinos and venues also offer their own exclusion programmes. You can request to be excluded from a specific venue by speaking with the venue manager or contacting the venue's host responsibility team. During the exclusion period, the venue is legally obligated to take reasonable steps to prevent you from entering and gambling.

Spending and Time Limits

Many online gambling platforms available to New Zealand players offer tools to help you manage your gambling. These include deposit limits (daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit), loss limits, session time reminders, and cooling-off periods. We strongly encourage all players to set these limits before they begin gambling and to treat them as firm boundaries rather than guidelines.

NZ Helplines and Support Services

New Zealand has a well-established network of free support services for people affected by gambling harm. These services are funded by the problem gambling levy and are available to gamblers, their families, and anyone affected by someone else's gambling.

Support for Family and Whanau

Gambling harm affects more than just the person who gambles. Partners, children, parents, and extended whanau can experience financial stress, emotional distress, and relationship difficulties as a result of someone else's gambling. The Gambling Helpline and Problem Gambling Foundation both offer dedicated services for affected family members, including counselling, support groups, and practical advice on managing the situation.

Tips for Gambling Safely in New Zealand

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Before you gamble, decide how much you can afford to lose. This is your entertainment budget. Once it is gone, stop. Never gamble with money set aside for rent, bills, or other essentials.
2. Set a time limit. Decide how long you will gamble and use an alarm or timer to remind you. Taking regular breaks helps you maintain perspective.
3. Never chase your losses. Losing is a normal part of gambling. Trying to win back lost money almost always leads to bigger losses.
4. Do not gamble under the influence. Alcohol and other substances impair your judgement and can lead to impulsive decisions and increased spending.
5. Keep gambling as entertainment. Gambling should never be your primary source of income or your main way of spending free time. Balance it with other activities.
6. Use the tools available. Set deposit limits, time limits, and consider self-exclusion if you are concerned about your gambling behaviour.
7. Talk to someone. If you are worried about your gambling or someone else's, reach out to the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655. There is no shame in asking for help, and support is free and confidential.