Lotto and other lottery games are meant to be entertainment, not a source of worry or money problems. This page explains what responsible gambling means, which warning signs to look out for, and where you can get free, confidential help if gambling has become a problem.
lottoresults.nz is an information site. We do not sell games and we do not encourage anyone to gamble. We do think it matters that anyone who chooses to play does so safely and with their eyes open.
Do you or someone close to you need help?
Help is free and confidential. You do not have to deal with it alone.
- Gambling Helpline: free support by phone, text and online chat, 24 hours a day, for people who gamble and for those around them. Call 0800 654 655 or free text 8006. gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- PGF Services (the Problem Gambling Foundation): free counselling and support at clinics around the country. Call 0800 664 262. pgf.nz
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa: information, a self-test and a way to find local support services. safergambling.org.nz
This site is written for adults aged 18 and over.
What does responsible gambling mean?
Responsible gambling is about staying in control and treating a lottery ticket as a form of entertainment, in the same way as a movie or concert ticket. You pay for the enjoyment, and you do it with money you can afford to lose.
The basic idea is that gambling should never come at the expense of your finances, your relationships or your wellbeing. As long as it is fun and you stay inside your own limits, it is under control. When it stops being fun, or when you find yourself buying more tickets to make up for what you have spent, it is time to stop and take stock.
Remember too that every lottery game is a game of pure chance. Each draw is independent of the last. No number system, no “overdue” number and no regular habit improves your odds, so a lottery ticket is never a way to earn or save money.
Simple principles for safer play
A few habits help keep gambling at a healthy level. They are less about rules and more about awareness.
- Decide in advance how much money you are willing to spend, and stick to it.
- Never play with money set aside for rent, bills, food or other essentials.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Do not try to win back what you have lost by spending more.
- Treat any win as a one-off, not as income you can count on.
- Be careful with a bigger jackpot. It does not make a win more likely, and it is no reason to spend more than you had planned.
It can also be wise not to play when you are stressed, feeling low or under the influence, because it is harder to make considered decisions then.
If you play online, MyLotto accounts have a spending limit, and the account settings let you set your own limits, take a break or exclude yourself. Instant games are played far more quickly than a weekly draw, which makes it easier to lose track of both time and money.
Warning signs of a gambling problem
Gambling problems often develop gradually and can be hard to spot, both for the person gambling and for the people around them. Common signs include:
- You spend more money or more time on gambling than you meant to.
- You try to win back losses by gambling more.
- You borrow money, or use money meant for something else, to gamble.
- You hide how much you gamble, or lie about it.
- Thoughts about gambling take up more and more of your day.
- Gambling affects your work, finances, sleep or relationships.
- You feel guilt, shame or worry about your gambling.
You can have a problem with gambling even if only one of these fits. If you recognise yourself here, there is nothing wrong with asking for support. It is often the thing that helps most.
Check your gambling habits
If you are not sure whether your gambling is a problem, there is a simple way to get an indication. Safer Gambling Aotearoa has a free online self-test called “Test your gambling”, which gives you a picture of where you stand.
You will find it at safergambling.org.nz. You can also call the Gambling Helpline and talk it through with someone.
Where to get help
If you or someone close to you has a problem with gambling, there are several free, independent services in New Zealand.
The Gambling Helpline is the national helpline for anyone worried about their own gambling or someone else’s. It is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day on 0800 654 655, by free text to 8006 and at gamblinghelpline.co.nz. The Helpline can give immediate support and refer you to face-to-face counselling near you. It also runs specialist lines:
- Māori Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 656
- Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 657
- Gambling Debt Helpline: 0800 654 658
- Youth Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 659
PGF Services (the Problem Gambling Foundation) provides free counselling, along with peer and cultural support, at clinics around the country. You are welcome to bring whānau or a support person with you. Call 0800 664 262 or visit pgf.nz.
Asian Family Services offers free support for Asian people affected by gambling harm, in several languages, on 0800 862 342.
Safer Gambling Aotearoa has information about gambling harm and a search for local support services at safergambling.org.nz.
Excluding yourself is an option if you want a firm barrier. Online accounts, including MyLotto, let you take a break or exclude yourself in the account settings. For pokie venues and casinos, the Gambling Helpline or a counselling service can help you arrange an exclusion.
You can also talk to your GP, who can refer you on to further support.
For family and friends
Gambling problems do not only affect the person who gambles. As a partner, relative or friend you may feel worry, powerlessness and stress. It is important to know that you can ask for support too.
You can contact the Gambling Helpline for your own sake to get advice on how best to handle the situation. Common advice is to talk openly without accusing, to set clear boundaries around money, and not to cover gambling debts, because financial help often makes the situation worse. Keep in mind that a person has to choose to seek help themselves.
Age limit
In New Zealand you must be 18 or over to hold a MyLotto account and to buy Instant Kiwi, and it is illegal to sell Instant Kiwi to anyone under 18 or to buy it on their behalf. Legislation passed by Parliament in 2026 sets 18 as the minimum age for all Lotto NZ products, including the draw games. The age limit is 18 for TAB betting and for pokies in pubs and clubs, and 20 for casinos.
Gambling in New Zealand is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs under the Gambling Act 2003, and Lotto NZ is the Crown entity that runs the national lottery games.