Responsible Gambling Tools: Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm

Gambling can be fun, but it’s easy to lose track of time and money, which can sometimes lead to addiction with serious mental and financial consequences.

The good news is that there are practical tools to help you stay in control. In this guide, and throughout our Learning Hub, our team explains how responsible gambling tools work, where to find them, and how they can help you bet safely. We’ll cover three main types: tools that block gambling entirely, tools that set spending or time limits, and tools that help you track and manage your habits.

Tools for Blocking Gambling Activity

The first set of responsible gambling tools blocks gambling activity by restricting access to gambling websites, apps, and transactions. Some even identify and block gambling content on non-gambling websites.

There are three main types of tools for blocking gambling activity: free, paid, and freemium.

Free Gambling Blockers

Free gambling blockers don’t require users to subscribe or pay any fees, but most don’t have the advanced features of their paid counterparts. They include:

BetBlocker: A tool that blocks access to over 92,000 gambling websites for between 24 hours and five years. It works on all devices and operating systems and doesn’t require you to sign up.
Crashgambling: Restricts access to all gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in New Zealand.

Different blocking tools have varying features; for example, some block all sites automatically, while others require you to set up a list of gambling domains. As such, you should compare them before committing.

Paid Gambling Blockers

Paid gambling blockers require users to subscribe or pay a fee to gain access. In return, they offer more advanced features. Popular options in NZ include:

Gamblock: A world-leading gambling blocking app that blocks access to all gambling content for between one month and five years. Pricing depends on the number of devices and duration of blocking, starting at NZ$128.90 for two devices.
Gamban: Operated by GambleAware, this award-winning tool can be installed on all devices and operating systems. It offers a 7-day free trial, after which you have to pay NZ$5.77 for a monthly licence or NZ$57.86 per year.

Freemium Gambling Blockers

Freemium gambling blockers offer basic gambling blocking features for free and charge a fee for more advanced features. Cold Turkey is one of the best freemium tools for blocking gambling. It offers a free version that comes with a 7-day trial of all features, but you can access the pro version for a one-time fee of NZ$65.

Gambling Blockers That Safeguard Minors

The legal gambling age in New Zealand is 18, but that doesn’t stop minors: a study found that one in three secondary students have ever gambled, with 13% looking to cut down on the habit. This is especially concerning because gambling before the age of 15 is a risk factor for gambling problems in adulthood, according to research.

Fortunately, there are various tools designed to block minors from gambling, which we highlight below.

NetNanny

NetNanny is parental control software that allows parents to block access to all types of websites, including gambling platforms. It also provides reports on blocked content and attempts to access websites.

SafeToNet

Formerly known as CyberPatrol, this content filtering software allows users to block various types of websites, including those related to gambling.

CyberSitter

CyberSitter is an internet activity monitoring tool that lets users set parental controls and block access to specific websites and apps, including gambling platforms.

Self-Exclusion Programmes

Self-exclusion is a responsible gambling tool that lets you restrict access to a specific or all gambling platforms for an extended period or permanently. It is the final resort for gamblers who can’t control the urge even after trying all other tools because it’s harder to bypass.

Once you self-exclude, you cannot create new accounts for online gambling or enter casinos and betting venues during the exclusion period, which can last between 6 months and a lifetime.

In NZ, self-exclusion can be internal, which blocks access to a specific platform, or national, which blocks access to all land-based casino venues. Let’s briefly highlight each option.

Internal Self-Exclusion at Online Casinos

Online gamblers can self-exclude directly through a casino or betting platform. All regulated casinos and sportsbooks are legally required to offer this option, so as long as you wager at a licensed platform, you can ban yourself from it for a specific period.

The self-exclusion process is almost identical for all platforms, involving the following steps:

Log in to your account
Open the responsible gambling or account settings section
Select “Self-Exclusion”, “Take a break”, or a similar option
Choose a duration
Confirm your choice

The self-exclusion usually lasts from 6 months to 5 years, during which time you cannot log in, deposit, or wager.

Offline Self-Exclusion

Gambling at physical venues can be just as harmful as online, but you can ban yourself from specific or all casinos, arcades, and betting shops in New Zealand through offline self-exclusion.

To self-exclude offline and restrict your access to a land-based gambling venue, you only need to write, call, or visit them and request a ban.

Under Section 310 of the Gambling Act 2003, the venue manager, holder of a casino operator’s licence, or anyone acting on their behalf must issue an exclusion order promptly after being requested, or they could face fines. The ban lasts up to two years and is irrevocable while active. There are options for post-expiry exclusion or reinforcement, which venues must enforce, as breaches can result in fines or police involvement. Support strategies are also in place, such as staff involvement, limited initial bans, and reintegrating gambling as part of a treatment programme.

Tools for Limiting Gambling Activity

The tools we’ve discussed so far block gambling permanently or for a long time, making them great options for players who feel like gambling is taking a toll on their lives and want to avoid it altogether.

However, if you still want to keep gambling but need help managing your activity and staying within safe boundaries, you need tools that limit gambling, not cut off access entirely. They allow you to set time and money limits on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

All licensed platforms are required by law to provide them, but the available tools vary among casinos and sportsbooks. The most common and effective ones are highlighted below.

Deposit Limit

Deposit limits allow you to set the amount of money you can deposit in your account in a certain period, usually daily, weekly, or monthly. If you reach the set limit, you can no longer fund your account until the period you specified passes.

Session Limit

Session limits let you set how much time you want to spend gambling. It may notify you as the time limit approaches and log you out of your account if you exceed it.

Wagering Limit

Wagering limits enable you to control the amount of money you can wager per day, week, or month. You can’t place a bet after reaching the specified limit, which makes this an excellent tool for protecting your winnings.

Loss Limit

Loss limits allow you to set a limit on the amount of money you can lose per day, week, or month. If you reach the specified limit, you may be blocked from wagering or logged out of your account, which prevents you from chasing losses.

Cool-off Period

A cool-off period is similar to the self-exclusion tool, but for a shorter term and on a single platform. It blocks access to your gambling platform for a specific period, which can be between a few hours and several months.

Warning Tools

Gambling problems develop gradually, only becoming noticeable once they start affecting other areas of your life. To keep an eye on your gambling habits and recognise when you’re nearing personal or safe limits before harm occurs, you need to use warning tools.

Unlike blocking and limiting tools, warning tools inform and remind you of your gambling habits, so you’ll never lose track of time or money. They are typically available at regulated online casinos and include:

Time Alert

Also known as reality checks, this tool helps you monitor the amount of time you spend gambling. It sends pop-up notifications displaying the time you’ve spent in an active session and the amount you’ve won or lost.

This allows you to track your gambling time and money, take regular breaks, and identify potentially problematic behaviours like chasing losses.

Self-Assessment

Self-assessment in responsible gambling involves taking a short test to evaluate your behaviour and determine whether you have a gambling problem. It allows you to recognise potential signs early on before they escalate into more serious issues.

The test is usually free and can be retaken at any time.

Need More Help? Organisations That Provide Support to Problem Gamblers

Responsible gambling tools are effective in controlling habits, but they have one critical limitation: they help manage behaviour without addressing the underlying issues, like anxiety and depression.

To treat any emotional or psychological challenges that may be causing your gambling disorder and avoid relapsing, organisations that provide support to problem gamblers can help. In New Zealand, they include:

They can create personalised treatment plans based on your needs to minimise the risk of relapse after recovery.