Safer Gambling Aotearoa
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| Category | Support community |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 3, 2021 |
| Address | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Official website | https://www.safergambling.org.nz |
| Help and Support | |
| Help & Support settings | Phone, Text, One-to-one |
| Helpline hours | 24/7 |
| Helpline number | 0800654655 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social Media | |
| Visit | |
| Visit | |
| Last Updated | 16.03.2026 |
Safer Gambling Aotearoa is a New Zealand safer-gambling information, awareness, and support service that connects people to free help, including the national Gambling Helpline and local counselling providers.[1]
What is Safer Gambling Aotearoa
Safer Gambling Aotearoa (SGA) is a national public health campaign operated by Health Promotion, National Public Health Service Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand).[2] It provides online information, self-assessment tools, and referrals to free, confidential gambling support services throughout New Zealand. The campaign does not deliver treatment directly; instead it directs people to the Gambling Helpline 0800654655, free text 8006) and local face-to-face services nationwide.
Role in the industry
Safer Gambling Aotearoa is part of New Zealand’s gambling-harm prevention and minimisation system.[3]
History and Reach
| Year | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Choice Not Chance | Health Promotion Agency (HPA) developed the Choice Not Chance programme to raise awareness of gambling harm and connect New Zealanders with support[4] |
| 2021 | Rebranded | Choice Not Chance evolved into Safer Gambling Aotearoa[5] |
| 2021 | HPA becomes Te Hiringa Hauora | The Health Promotion Agency was renamed Te Hiringa Hauora, remaining the operating body behind SGA under the health system restructure |
| 2022 | Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) was established, absorbing Health Promotion functions including the Minimising Gambling Harm programme that houses SGA[6] |
| 2025 | Gambling Harm Awareness Week | SGA ran a national campaign focused on gambling harm and young people, distributing resource packs to support services across the country[7] |
Support Options
| Support Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Gambling Helpline | Free 24/7 phone support on 0800 654 655, connecting callers to trained counsellors[1] |
| Text helpline | Free text support available by texting 8006, providing an alternative contact method[1] |
| Online self-assessment | Interactive quiz[8] |
| Face-to-face referrals | Directory and interactive map to locate free, confidential local gambling support services[9] |
| Online information | Educational content on how online gambling work and guidance on safer gambling[10] |
| Kōrero Cards | Conversation prompt tools distributed to support services to help people discuss gambling concerns with whānau[11] |
Safer Gambling Aotearoa alternatives
| Community | Country | Help for Problem Gambling |
|---|---|---|
| Gam-Anon | Global | Find a meeting |
| Gamblers Anonymous (GA) | Global | Find a meeting |
| SMART Recovery | Global | Find a meeting |
| PGF Group | NZ | Get help |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://www.safergambling.org.nz/
- ↑ https://www.safergambling.org.nz/about-us
- ↑ https://www.health.govt.nz/statistics-research/research/gambling-harm-research-and-evaluation
- ↑ https://www.hpa.org.nz/campaign/choice-not-chance
- ↑ https://www.safergambling.org.nz/about-us
- ↑ https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/health-promotion/campaigns/safer-gambling-aotearoa
- ↑ https://www.safergambling.org.nz/ghaw-sector-support
- ↑ https://www.safergambling.org.nz/help-and-support/test-your-gambling
- ↑ https://www.safergambling.org.nz/help-and-support/services-near-you
- ↑ https://www.safergambling.org.nz/know-your-odds
- ↑ https://www.safergambling.org.nz/ghaw-sector-support