Responsible gambling: limits, warning signs and support

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Choosing not to gamble is always an option. If you do gamble, make decisions before opening a game, not while reacting to results.

• Protect essential spending first. Do not use money needed for housing, food, bills, debt repayments or other commitments.
• Choose an affordable spending limit and a stopping time. Treat the money as an entertainment cost that could be lost entirely.
• Track total spending and time across all gambling accounts, rather than considering each account in isolation.
• Do not borrow, use credit or sell possessions to gamble. Never increase spending to recover a previous loss.
• Avoid gambling when distressed, intoxicated or struggling to make clear decisions. Keep time for sleep, relationships and other activities.

Pay attention to changes in behaviour and consequences, not just how often you gamble. Warning signs can include:

• Spending more money or time than you intended.
• Returning to gambling specifically to win back losses.
• Hiding transactions, lying about gambling or feeling unable to discuss it.
• Borrowing money or missing essential payments because of gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships, sleep or personal care.
• Feeling preoccupied with gambling, or repeatedly trying and failing to stop.

These signs are reasons to pause and seek advice, not a checklist for diagnosing yourself. You can ask for help even if only one concern feels relevant or the financial losses seem small.

MOTHERLAND’s own responsible-gambling tools and procedures are not documented here. The options below are general examples, not confirmed brand features. Self-exclusion schemes exist in regulated markets, but eligibility, coverage and procedures depend on where you live.

Use the operator’s published account or support route to ask about restrictions and obtain confirmation. Do not assume closing an ordinary account is equivalent to self-exclusion. No single tool should be treated as complete protection.

1. Stop the current sessionClose the game and step away. Do not make another deposit or try to recover losses before stopping.
2. Create practical barriersAsk about time-out or self-exclusion, remove gambling shortcuts and promotional notifications, and consider suitable blocking tools.
3. Protect essential moneySeparate money for bills and everyday needs. Seek independent debt advice if gambling has affected your ability to pay.
4. Tell someone and seek supportSpeak with a trusted person or specialist service. You do not need a diagnosis or an account dispute to ask for help.

In New Zealand, contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 for local support. You can also look for support through a public health service or a primary-care professional.

• Look for specialist gambling support, counselling, peer support or services for affected family members.
• Check location eligibility, languages, opening hours, costs and confidentiality before sharing sensitive information.
• For self-exclusion, confirm the scheme’s coverage directly; a restriction may not cover every operator or gambling activity.

• Choose a calm moment to discuss specific concerns without blaming or shaming.
• Set boundaries around shared finances and seek independent advice if bills or debts are affected.
• Do not lend money to fund further gambling or promise to cover future losses.
• Seek support for yourself, even if the person gambling is not ready to seek help. You cannot control their decisions, but you can protect your own wellbeing.