Responsible Gambling

Last updated: June 2026

If gambling no longer feels controlled, stop now

Betting and casino play can cause real harm. If gambling is affecting money, sleep, work, relationships or mood, take a break and use support before the situation gets worse.

New Zealand Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655  |  Text: 8006

Bets-Betting.com is an editorial comparison site for adults. We publish information about betting sites and online casinos, but gambling should never be treated as income, a financial plan or a way to recover losses. No rating, bonus or review removes the risk of losing money.

Warning Signs to Take Seriously

Problem gambling does not always start with a dramatic event. It often starts with small changes in behaviour: chasing a bad session, hiding losses, increasing deposits or feeling irritated when you cannot bet.

  • You spend more than planned or deposit again after promising not to.
  • You chase losses by increasing stakes.
  • You hide gambling activity from family, friends or a partner.
  • You borrow money, use savings or delay bills to keep gambling.
  • You feel anxious, angry or restless when you cannot play.
  • You gamble while stressed, upset, tired or under the influence.
  • Betting or casino play affects sleep, work, study or relationships.

Tools That Can Help

Most reputable operators provide account tools. Use them early, not only after gambling becomes a serious problem.

Deposit limits

Set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits before you start playing. A limit works best when it is lower than the amount you think you can afford.

Time-outs

A short cooling-off period can stop one bad session from becoming a bigger financial problem.

Self-exclusion

If gambling is already causing harm, self-exclusion is stronger than a reminder or a soft limit.

Reality checks

Session reminders help, but they are not enough if you keep ignoring them. Treat repeated reminders as a signal to stop.

New Zealand Support Contacts

These organisations are independent support resources. They are not connected to Bets-Betting.com and they do not require you to use any betting or casino site listed here.

  • Gambling Helpline New Zealand
    Phone: 0800 654 655
    Text: 8006
    Website: gamblinghelpline.co.nz
  • PGF Services
    Website: pgfnz.org.nz
  • Salvation Army Oasis
    Gambling harm support services across New Zealand.

Safer Habits Before You Bet

  • Decide the maximum loss before opening the site.
  • Do not increase stakes to recover a previous loss.
  • Do not use credit, borrowed money or bill money for gambling.
  • Avoid betting when angry, lonely, stressed or intoxicated.
  • Keep betting separate from rent, food, debt payments and savings.
  • Take a break if the result of a bet affects your mood for the rest of the day.

How We Handle Responsible Gambling in Reviews

Responsible gambling tools are part of our editorial checks. We look for deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion information, help links and whether those tools are visible before a player has a problem.

We do not treat a site as safe just because it has a responsible gambling page. The tools have to be findable, understandable and consistent with the rest of the operator’s terms.

For Friends and Family

If someone close to you may be struggling, focus on practical support rather than blame. Encourage them to stop playing, avoid giving them money to gamble, and suggest contacting a specialist support service. If there is immediate financial or emotional danger, get professional help quickly.

Final Reminder

If gambling is no longer entertainment, stop. A missed bonus, lost bet or locked account is less important than your wellbeing. Contact Gambling Helpline New Zealand on 0800 654 655 or text 8006.