Following netball should be about the sport itself: the skill, the teamwork and the drama of a close finish. For some supporters a bet is part of match day, and that should stay entertainment, never a source of worry or money trouble. 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.
netballwiki.nz is an information site about netball. We do not sell or arrange gambling, we do not accept bets and we do not encourage anyone to gamble. A small number of our articles mention betting or online gambling, and we think it is important that anyone who chooses to gamble 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 – support by phone, text and online chat, 24 hours a day. Call 0800 654 655 or text 8006. gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- PGF Services (formerly the Problem Gambling Foundation) – free, professional counselling for people who gamble and for those around them. Call 0800 664 262. pgf.nz
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa – information, self-help tools and a directory of local services. safergambling.org.nz
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
What does responsible gambling mean?
Responsible gambling is about staying in control and treating gambling as a form of entertainment, in the same way as a ticket to a match or a concert. 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 cost of your finances, your relationships or your wellbeing. As long as it is fun and stays within limits you have set yourself, it is under control. When it stops being fun, or when you find yourself betting to win back what you have lost, it is time to stop and take stock.
It also helps to remember that no knowledge of netball, form guide or system removes the element of chance. Odds are set so that the operator comes out ahead over time, which is why gambling is never a way to earn or save money.
Simple principles for safer gambling
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 and time you are willing to spend, and stick to it.
- Never gamble with money meant for rent, bills, food or other essentials.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Never try to win back losses by betting more.
- Treat any win as a bonus, not as income you can count on.
- Avoid gambling when you are stressed, low or have been drinking, because clear decisions are harder to make.
Warning signs to look out for
Gambling problems often develop gradually and can be hard to notice, both for the person gambling and for the people around them. Common signs include:
- You gamble with more money, or for longer, than you intended.
- You try to win back losses by gambling more.
- You borrow money, or use money set aside for something else, to gamble.
- You hide or lie about how much you gamble.
- Thoughts about gambling take up more and more of your day.
- Gambling is affecting your work, study, finances, sleep or relationships.
- You feel guilt, shame or anxiety about your gambling.
You may have a problem even if only one of these applies to you. Recognising yourself here is nothing to be ashamed of, and reaching out for support is often the step that helps most.
Check your gambling habits
If you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem, there is an easy way to get an indication. Safer Gambling Aotearoa has a short online “Test your gambling” check alongside its other self-help tools, and it gives you a picture of where you stand.
You can also talk it through with a counsellor at the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655, at any hour.
Where to get help
If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling, there are several free, independent services in New Zealand.
Gambling Helpline is the national helpline, open 24 hours a day, every day. It offers immediate support, information and referrals to local counselling, and it runs dedicated Māori, Pasifika, youth and gambling debt lines. Call 0800 654 655, text 8006 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
PGF Services, formerly the Problem Gambling Foundation, provides free, confidential counselling across the country, face to face and by phone, for individuals, couples and families. Call 0800 664 262 or visit pgf.nz.
Safer Gambling Aotearoa is the national programme for reducing gambling harm. Its website brings together information, self-help tools and a list of free support services near you, all funded through Health New Zealand, at safergambling.org.nz.
Asian Family Services offers support in several Asian languages on 0800 862 342, and Mapu Maia provides a Pasifika gambling support service on 0800 21 21 22.
Your GP can also help, particularly if gambling is affecting your sleep, mood or health.
Setting limits and self-exclusion
If you want a firmer barrier between yourself and gambling, there are tools to help:
- Account limits. Licensed operators such as TAB NZ let you set deposit or spending limits on your account, or take a break from it altogether.
- Venue exclusion. Under the Gambling Act 2003, you can ask to be excluded from a casino or from a pub or club with gaming machines. A multi-venue exclusion covers several venues at once, and the Gambling Helpline or a gambling support service can help you arrange one.
- Practical barriers. Some banks let you block gambling transactions on your cards, and blocking software can restrict access to gambling sites on your devices.
For family and friends
Gambling harm does not only affect the person who gambles. As a partner, parent, friend or member of the wider whānau, you may feel worry, helplessness and stress. It is important to know that support is there for you too.
You can contact the Gambling Helpline or PGF Services in your own right for advice on how to handle the situation. Common advice is to talk openly without blaming, to set clear boundaries around money and to avoid paying off gambling debts, because financial rescue often makes the situation worse. Remember that a person has to choose to seek help themselves, but you can look after your own wellbeing in the meantime.
Betting on netball and other sport
Netball betting markets are offered on major competitions, and in New Zealand online betting on sport and racing is lawfully provided only by TAB NZ. If you choose to place a bet on a match, keep in mind that:
- Supporting a team never requires a bet, and the size of a bet is no measure of your loyalty.
- Even the strongest side can lose on the day, so there is no such thing as a certain result.
- Betting while a match is in progress makes it easy to spend more than you planned. Set your limit before the first centre pass.
Age limits and the law
Gambling in New Zealand is for adults. You must be 18 or over to bet with TAB NZ, to play gaming machines in pubs and clubs and to buy Instant Kiwi tickets, and 20 or over to enter the gambling area of a casino.
Gambling is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs, mainly under the Gambling Act 2003. Online casino gambling is covered by the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which introduces a licensing system for online casino operators that is being phased in. Licensed gambling providers are required to take steps to prevent and minimise harm.
If you have a question about this page, you are welcome to reach us through our contact page.