Contact details of important support services

Specialist gambling services

The Gambling Helpline offer immediate support with a 24-hour helpline with specific lines dedicated to Māori and Pasifika as well as youth and financial support. The Gambling Helpline counsellors can also refer people to other support or information services. 

PGF Services provide face-to-face and over the phone counselling services. PGF Services have 23 locations throughout the country and offer culturally specific services. Asian Family Services provide support in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese. Mapu Maia division is focused on Pasifika communities. PGF Services have a self-referral form on the website which is available for the person who gambles as well as the family. Additionally, PGF services provide peer support groups.

The Salvation Army Oasis offer specific to gambling face-to-face counselling as well as a helpline. Additional Oasis services include educational and support groups and referrals to specialist advisors, e.g., legal and financial services. Oasis has 17 locations nationwide. Specific support is available for Māori and Pasifika people. 

Health and finances

There are other services available to address gambling harm or related issues. These services include GPs, psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. These experts provide specialist support and advice for addressing mental health and wellbeing.

Money Talks is a free financial service that can provide confidential budgeting advice and help to organise finances.

An extra way to provide support is by looking out for signs where extra help is needed. Take action if there is depression, suicidal ideation, or attempted suicide. These numbers can be a great start.

  • The Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865.
  • Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
  • Healthline – 0800 611 116
  • Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Peer and group support

Support groups are for people who gamble and, as a rule, open to family and other significant others to attend. These groups provide an opportunity to connect with other people who are going through similar experiences. The group meetings have a facilitator that leads a learning activity and supports the group to stay focused and supportive.

  • Gambling Support and Maintenance Groups by PGF Services, tel. 0800 664 262
  • Educational and support groups by The Salvation Army Oasis, person need to be referred to these groups by an Oasis counsellor
  • Gamblers Anonymous (GA) http://www.12steps.nz

Online support groups are a great alternative to in person group meetings. Online groups are done in forums where people express themselves and exchange messages. Online groups can be attended at any time from any location.

Strengthen your relationship

Problem gambling can have a profound effect on a relationship due to the loss of trust and financial problems. Working on the relationship can minimise these harms and help family to get a better understanding of each other’s needs. It can sometimes be useful to talk to an objective person with skills in relationship counselling.  

The relationship services available in New Zealand include:

  • Lifeline specialist counselling offers counselling to parents with dependent children. Fees are based on a sliding scale based on household income (0.1% of income) with a minimum fee of $80 for couples. To find out more you can call on (09) 909 8750 or email counselling@lifeline.org.nz
  • Auckland Therapy offers Couples Therapy – this site includes a directory of available psychotherapists which can be contacted independently to make bookings and determine fees. Visit http://aucklandtherapy.co.nz for more information.
  • Home and Family Counselling offer face-to-face counselling for couples. Payment is calculated on a sliding scale from $30 per session for an income of $10,000/year to $150 for income over $65,000/year.
  • If you are a student, on a benefit or a low income you may be eligible for a Work and Income (WINZ) allowance that provides a subsidy of around $60 a session. You will need a doctor’s recommendation - contact WINZ for more details.

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