Last updated: 9 October 2026
Quick answer: Under New Zealand’s new online casino rules, every licensed casino must let you self-exclude, including indefinitely. Self-exclusion must take effect within 24 hours, and a fixed period cannot be shortened once you choose it. Licensed casinos must also offer breaks, time-outs and deposit, spending and time limits. These rules apply to casinos licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), with the first licences expected from early 2027.
Self-Exclusion Rules at a Glance
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Self-exclusion must be available | Every licensed casino must offer it |
| Indefinite option | You can exclude yourself with no end date |
| Takes effect within 24 hours | You are blocked from playing within a day of asking |
| Cannot be shortened | A fixed period runs to the end, even if you change your mind |
| Operator exclusion | A casino can exclude a player showing ongoing signs of harm for up to two years |
How to Self-Exclude at a Licensed NZ Casino
- Log in and open your account settings. Look for a section called responsible gambling, safer gambling or player protection.
- Choose self-exclusion and pick a period, or choose indefinite exclusion.
- Confirm. The exclusion must start within 24 hours.
- Withdraw any remaining balance, or ask support how the casino will return it.
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails and texts, and ask support to confirm you will receive none.
If you cannot find the option, contact customer support and ask for self-exclusion in writing.
Other Tools Licensed Casinos Must Offer
- Deposit limits: set a maximum you can deposit per day, week or month.
- Spending limits: cap how much you can spend in a period.
- Time limits: limit how long you can play.
- Breaks and time-outs: pause your account for a short period without full self-exclusion.
- Pop-up alerts: reminders while you play.
Licensed casinos must also block credit card payments, allow only one account per player and switch off autoplay.
Does Self-Exclusion Cover Every Casino?
The rules require each licensed casino to offer self-exclusion on its own platform. The published rules do not yet describe a single national register that would block you from all online casinos at once. If you want to stop completely, self-exclude at every casino where you hold an account and consider blocking software on your devices.
Self-exclusion at an offshore casino follows that casino’s own rules, not New Zealand’s. From 1 December 2026, only operators that won a place in the licence auction may keep serving New Zealand players.
Signs It May Be Time to Take a Break
- You spend more than you planned, or chase losses.
- You borrow money or use bill money to gamble.
- You feel anxious or irritable when you are not playing.
- Gambling causes arguments or hides time from family and friends.
Where to Get Help in New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline: call 0800 654 655 or text 8006.
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa: information and support listed by the DIA.
- Our responsible gambling page has more tools and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does self-exclusion last at NZ online casinos?
You choose the period, including an indefinite exclusion. A fixed period cannot be shortened once it starts.
How quickly does self-exclusion start?
Within 24 hours of your request at a licensed casino.
Can I cancel self-exclusion early?
No. Under the New Zealand rules, a fixed self-exclusion period cannot be shortened.
Can a casino exclude me without my request?
Yes. A licensed casino can exclude a player who shows ongoing signs of gambling harm for up to two years.
Is there one register that excludes me from all online casinos?
The published rules require self-exclusion at each licensed casino. They do not yet describe a single national online register.
Read our full guide to online casinos in New Zealand and the DIA’s information for players.
This article is for information only. If gambling is causing you problems, call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or text 8006.
