Get help
Talking to your friends and family is a positive first step. There are also a range of free and confidential counselling and support services available to provide advice and support to you and your friends and family.
Free telephone support
The 24-hour Gambling Helpline offers free and confidential information and support over the phone. They can also help arrange for you to see a counsellor in your area.
Call the 24-hour Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655.
Specialist helplines:
- Maori Gambling Helpline - 0800 654 656
- Pasifika Gambling Helpline - 0800 654 657
- Youth Gambling Helpline - 0800 654 659
- Gambling Debt Helpline - 0800 654 658
- Problem Gambling Foundation Asian Hotline - 0800 862 342
Free face-to-face counselling support
Counselling is a great way to get more personal support. It can be a huge relief to chat with someone who is external to your situation. Read more about what to expect from a counselling session.
There are lots of different services that offer free counselling, including Maori and Pacific services. You can contact these services directly, or the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) can help you arrange counselling.
National counselling services details
The two national problem gambling services are below. A full list of services, including all local services, is available from the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655.
The Problem Gambling Foundation
Counselling is available at a range of locations throughout New Zealand. Call 0800 664 262 from anywhere in New Zealand, or email help@pgfnz.org.nz.
The Salvation Army Oasis Centre
Counselling is available from a number of locations around New Zealand, call the nearest office to arrange.
- Auckland Ph: (09) 846 0660
- Hamilton Ph: (07) 839 7053
- Tauranga Ph: (07) 578 4264
- Wellington Ph: (04) 389 6566
- Christchurch Ph: (03) 365 9659
- Queenstown Ph: (03) 442 5103
- Dunedin Ph: (03) 477 9852
Free support groups
Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon meetings are held in a number of areas throughout New Zealand. The Gamblers Anonymous weekly meetings provide group support for people struggling with a gambling problem and Gam-Anon provides support for friends and family of a gambler. For details contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655.
For young people
In-Ya-Face is a great website specifically for young people. You can find out more about your own or someone else’s gambling, some helpful tips and the support services available.
Stress, anxiety or depression
People who are going through gambling problems (or their loved ones) can sometimes experience both physical and emotional effects. If you are experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression you might also like to visit your GP.