Get help

"It was very hard for me to ask for help, in fact it was the hardest thing I've ever done. I thank God that I did otherwise I wouldn't be here today."

"I wish I had known about problem gambling - I could have known what signs to look out for. We could have stopped things escalating and getting out of control."

If you are concerned about your own or someone else's gambling there are a range of free help options available for both gamblers and their families.

What help options are available?

There are a range of free counselling and support services available:

Telephone support

The 24-hour Gambling Helpline offers over the phone information and support. They can also organise for you to see a counsellor in your area face to face.

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

Face-to-face counselling

Counselling is a great way to get support through your recovery. It can be a great relief to have a chat to someone who is external to your situation.

Read about what to expect from a counselling session.

Arrange to see a counsellor

There are lots of different services that offer counselling, including Maori and Pacific services. The Gambling Helpline can organise for you to attend counselling in your area.

Call the 24-hour Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655.

National providers:

The Problem Gambling Foundation

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

Peer Support

Gamblers Anonymous:

Gamblers Anonymous meetings are held in some areas throughout New Zealand. Meetings provide peer support for people struggling with a gambling problem. For details contact the Gambling Helpline.

Talking Point Forum

Talking Point is a blog website where people with a gambling problem can share their stories, struggles and successes with other people in a similar situation. It's a great way to offer and receive support.

Visit the talking point forum.

Information for young people

The In-Ya-Face is a great website for young people to find out more about problem gambling and the support services available.

Vist the In-Ya-Face website.

Self help

Read about the things you can do to help yourself.

Get some self-help tips.

Self-help brochures

The Gambling Helpline produces a range of self-help that provide some excellent information to get you started, including the brochures 'Concerned about your gambling' and 'Concerned about someone's gambling'.

Download the PDF - 'Concerned about your gambling?' brochure.'

Download the PDF - 'Concerned about someone's gambling?' brochure.'

Problem Gambling: our communities, our families, our problem