Below are the main support services available in New Zealand. All are free, anonymous and staffed by trained counsellors.
Gambling Helpline NZ
Call 0800 654 655 any time, day or night. Texts to 8006 are also free. Counsellors offer immediate support and follow-up plans.
Safer Gambling Aotearoa
Face-to-face and online counselling across New Zealand. Visit safergambling.org.nz for the nearest service to you.
Lifeline Aotearoa
If gambling is part of a wider crisis, Lifeline is on 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357 around the clock.
Tools on Alf Casino
Deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion live in your account settings and take effect immediately.
Background and detail
Free, confidential help in New Zealand
The Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 is the front door for anyone in Aotearoa who feels gambling is becoming a problem. The line is free, anonymous and answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Counsellors can talk through the immediate worry, help with budgeting, or refer you to face-to-face support nearby.
Support that goes beyond the player
Gambling rarely affects only the person at the screen. Safer Gambling Aotearoa, the Problem Gambling Foundation and Mapu Maia all support partners, parents and friends. Lifeline on 0800 543 354 covers wider mental health concerns including anxiety and low mood that often sit underneath problem gambling.
Small first steps that work
Set a deposit limit on your responsible gambling dashboard before you do anything else. Review the past month of activity honestly. Pick one helpline and make one call. None of this needs to be perfect, it just needs to start. If you want a clean break from the site itself, the close account page walks through every option from a 24-hour cool-off to permanent self-exclusion.
Where can I get help with gambling in New Zealand?
The Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 is the main 24/7 free support line. Safer Gambling Aotearoa offers in-depth counselling.
Are family members supported too?
Yes. Most NZ helplines offer free support for partners, parents and friends of people affected by gambling.
Can I get help anonymously?
Yes. Helplines do not require ID and conversations are confidential.
What is the first step if I am worried about my play?
Set a deposit limit, review your recent activity, and reach out to a helpline. Small steps make a real difference.