Problem Gambling Support in New Zealand

Published: 17 October 2026 • By: The New Lawyer Editorial Team • Jurisdiction: New Zealand (Gambling Act 2003)

New Zealand provides free, comprehensive, and strictly confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harm. Funded by the Crown via the Problem Gambling Levy, these services operate independently of gambling operators and provide clinical counselling, peer support, and family guidance.

Important Notice: Free & Confidential Support

All support services detailed below are completely free of charge to New Zealand residents and their family members (whānau). Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through online chat, text, and in-person regional clinics.

National Support Organisations

1. Gambling Helpline New Zealand

The national 24/7 helpline service providing immediate support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local counsellors across New Zealand:

  • Online Portal: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
  • Services: 24-hour live online web chat, confidential SMS messaging, and direct referral coordination to local clinics.
A support worker listening to an adult client across a small table in a community wellbeing room, unposed and respectful
Free, confidential support is available nationwide through Health New Zealand funding.

2. Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)

The largest specialised non-governmental gambling treatment service in Aotearoa:

  • Online Portal: www.pgf.nz
  • Services: Face-to-face professional clinical counselling, group therapy, support for whānau and affected partners, Multi-Venue Exclusion coordination.

3. Salvation Army Oasis

Dedicated clinical and social support addressing gambling-related financial hardship and personal wellbeing:

  • Online Portal: www.salvationarmy.org.nz/oasis
  • Services: Integrated financial budgeting advisory, foodbank assistance, holistic family counselling, and cultural support workers.

4. Asian Family Services

Specialised, culturally tailored gambling counselling and wellbeing services for Asian communities in New Zealand, delivered in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Hindi, and English:

5. Mapu Maia (Pasifika Support)

Culturally dedicated clinical service delivering holistic, family-centred gambling support across Pacific communities throughout New Zealand:

An empty community support room with a circle of chairs, a kettle and plain wellbeing leaflets, no people
Support networks assist with self-exclusion, financial budgeting, and clinical counselling.