Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in New Zealand
In New Zealand, self-exclusion has been venue-based. Under the Gambling Act 2003, you can ask a casino or pokie venue for an exclusion order lasting up to two years, and Gambling Helpline counsellors can help arrange multi-venue exclusion covering many venues in an area. TAB NZ and Lotto NZ offer account-level exclusion and limits for online play. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 brings licensed online casinos under DIA rules, including spending limits and harm-minimisation requirements; operational details of online self-exclusion are being set through regulations and licence conditions. Offshore sites remain outside these schemes until the new regime is fully in force.
- Scheme
- Venue exclusion orders; online casino rules pending
- Type
- Mixed
- Minimum
- Up to 2 years per venue order
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
Decide which venues and sites to cover
List the casinos, pubs and clubs with pokies, and online accounts (TAB NZ, Lotto NZ and any online casinos) that you use.
- 2
Ask for help arranging multi-venue exclusion
Call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or a local gambling harm service. Counsellors can arrange exclusion from many venues at once and support you through the process.
- 3
Complete the exclusion order
At a venue, ask staff or the duty manager for a self-exclusion order. You will be photographed and sign a form; orders can last up to two years.
- 4
Bring identification
Have photo ID such as a driver's licence or passport. Casinos in particular will verify your identity.
- 5
Exclude from online accounts
Use the responsible gambling settings in your TAB NZ and Lotto NZ accounts, or contact their customer support. Do the same with any licensed online casino once the new regime is running.
- 6
Block offshore sites
Install gambling blocking software on your devices and ask your bank about blocking gambling transactions.
- 7
Plan for the end of the order
Venue orders expire after their term and are not usually lifted early. Before expiry, talk to your counsellor about renewing.
Before you start — what to know
- Venue exclusion orders apply only to the venues that issue them; multi-venue exclusion widens coverage.
- Breaching an exclusion order by entering a venue can be an offence, and venues must remove excluded people they identify.
- There is no single national online register as of October 2026; online rules are being implemented under the 2026 Act.
- Offshore online casinos that are not licensed must stop serving New Zealanders from 1 December 2026, unless they have a pending application.
- Family members can ask venues to consider a third-party exclusion request if they are concerned.
Make it stronger: add more barriers
Frequently asked questions
Is online casino legal in New Zealand?
It is becoming regulated. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 creates up to 15 licences awarded by the DIA. Unlicensed operators without a pending application must stop from 1 December 2026.
Who can offer sports betting?
Only TAB NZ, which holds the statutory monopoly on sports and racing betting.
How do I self-exclude?
Ask a venue for an exclusion order, or call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 to arrange multi-venue exclusion. Use account settings for online operators.
Where can I get free help?
Call Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 or free text 8006, 24 hours a day.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.