The Gambling Helpline is a national organisation offering ongoing motivational support, referrals and information services for gambling problems. Their services are provided to people who are, or have been gambling; support for families and friends concerned about someone else’s gambling; and the general public interested in what impact gambling has in New Zealand.
What does it do?
The Gambling Helpline provides:
- Motivational telephone support and counselling
- A regular call-back service for ongoing support
- Crisis support and intervention
- Specialised services for Maori and Pacific people
- Specialised services for youth
- Gambling debt support and programmes
- Referrals to local face-to-face counselling and gambling addiction services
- Integrated care programme for extra support
- Self-help booklets
- Websites – including an online chat room forum where people can share their stories and support each other
- General gambling information and statistics
How is it funded?
In July 2004, the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Health took over responsibility for managing the funding of, and relationships with, gambling problem support services. The funding comes from a levy on the gambling industry regulated through the Gambling Act 2003. The level of the levy is recommended by the Gambling Commission that was established as part of that Act.
How can I get their help?
You can contact the Gambling Helpline or any of their specialist services as detailed below. The Helpline operates every day of the year.
The Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655
24 Hours per day
Maori Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 656
Mon 12 noon – 4pm, Wedn 5pm – 9pm, & Sat 8am – 12 noon
Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 657
Tues 5pm – 9pm, Thurs 6pm – 9pm, & Fri 12 noon – 4pm
Youth Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 659
Mon 5pm – 8pm
Gambling Debt Helpline: 0800 654 658
Sat 12 noon – 4pm
If hours change, up-to-date hours can be found on their website.
Email: info@gamblinghelpline.co.nz
You can find their full range of contact details on the website below.
How much does it cost?
All the services are provided free throughout New Zealand over the phone or via email by counsellors who have specialist gambling problem training and experience.
Links to Gambling Helpline Websites
This website has a lot of helpful information and contacts about gambling and gambling related issues. You can download self-help booklets about how to help your own or someone else’s gambling. You will also find a Talking Point forum where people experiencing similar problems post their stories and provide each other with support.
This is the website for the Youth Gambling Helpline which is part of the national Gambling Helpline. They are trained counsellors available to provide support and information about gambling and gambling problems in NZ. They believe in youth supporting youth, so they have young counsellors and have developed the website with a youth focus.
