Responsible Gambling
This page provides practical guidance to help you gamble safely, plus New Zealand support services and crisis contacts.
Safer play guidelines
- Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money.
- Set a budget and time limit before you start; stop when you reach either.
- Never chase losses. Take a break if you feel frustrated or pressured.
- Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
- Keep gambling separate from essential spending (rent, bills, food).
- Protect your device and accounts; don’t share logins or payment details.
- New Zealand gambling is generally restricted to people aged 18+. If you are under 18, do not gamble.
Quick self-check
If you answer “yes” to any of these, it may be time to pause and seek support:
- Do you spend more money or time than you intended?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or difficult feelings?
- Have you lied about gambling or hidden it from others?
- Has gambling affected work, study, relationships, or finances?
Cooling-off & self-exclusion (Zest Pulse Play)
If you want a break from our site communications or access, you can request a cooling-off period or self-exclusion.
- Email [email protected] with the subject “Cooling-off” or “Self-exclusion”.
- Include the email you use with us, the requested duration (e.g., 24 hours, 7 days, 6 months, or indefinite), and whether you also want marketing opt-out.
- We will confirm by email once your request is applied. Self-exclusion requests are treated as a priority.
Note: If you gamble with third-party operators, you may need to set limits or self-exclude directly with each operator as well.
New Zealand help & crisis support
Gambling Helpline NZ
Call 0800 654 655 • Text 8006
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
Call 0800 664 262
1737 – Need to talk?
Call or text 1737 (mental health support in NZ)
Lifeline
Call 0800 543 354
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
Regulator info (NZ): Department of Internal Affairs – Gambling.