How to self exclude from betting sites NZ: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Self-exclusion is the most rigorous and effective non-voluntary intervention tool for New Zealanders who have identified that their gambling is no longer a safe form of entertainment. In 2026, the process of how to self exclude from betting sites NZ has become significantly more streamlined due to the strategic partnership between TAB NZ and Entain, alongside the Department of Internal Affairs' (DIA) updated harm minimisation regulations. This guide details the precise legal mechanics of the 2003 Gambling Act, the multi-venue exclusion (MVE) schemes coordinated by PGF Services and the Salvation Army, and the digital account blocks available for licensed platforms like TAB and betcha. We examine the statutory obligations of venue managers to enforce these orders, the potential legal penalties for breaches, and the external software solutions like Gamban that provide a "hard stop" for offshore sites. By following this structured framework, Kiwi bettors can establish a comprehensive and legally backed "safety net" that protects their financial and emotional well-being across all digital and physical wagering touchpoints in Aotearoa.

The primary objective of self-exclusion in the New Zealand context is to create a legally binding barrier between the punter and the wagering environment. When exploring how to self exclude from betting sites NZ, it is vital to understand that this is not merely a request to "take a break," but a formal legal process under Section 310 of the Gambling Act 2003. Once an exclusion order is issued, the operator is legally barred from allowing you to enter the gambling area or access your online account, and you are legally prohibited from attempting to do so. In 2026, the landscape is divided between "Retail Exclusions" (for physical TAB agencies and pubs) and "Account Exclusions" (for online platforms). Professional support services emphasize that self-exclusion works best when it is part of a "multi-layered" approach, combining site-specific blocks with broader internet filtering and professional counseling through the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655).

• Legal Foundation: Under NZ law, a venue manager must issue a self-exclusion order promptly upon request if you identify as a problem gambler.
• Breach Penalties: Entering a gambling area while excluded can lead to a $2,000 fine for the punter and up to $10,000 for the venue.
• Duration Options: You can typically choose exclusion periods ranging from 6 months up to 5 years, or in some cases, permanently.
• Entain Partnership: Any exclusion from TAB NZ automatically applies to all Entain-operated brands in New Zealand, including betcha.

Legal Foundation: Under NZ law, a venue manager must issue a self-exclusion order promptly upon request if you identify as a problem gambler.

Breach Penalties: Entering a gambling area while excluded can lead to a $2,000 fine for the punter and up to $10,000 for the venue.

Duration Options: You can typically choose exclusion periods ranging from 6 months up to 5 years, or in some cases, permanently.

Entain Partnership: Any exclusion from TAB NZ automatically applies to all Entain-operated brands in New Zealand, including betcha.

The Legal Process of Self-Exclusion in New Zealand

The statutory framework for self-exclusion is governed by the Gambling Act 2003, which classifies sports betting as a form of "Class 4" or "Class 3" gambling depending on the venue. To initiate the process of how to self exclude from betting sites NZ legally, you can either visit a venue in person or submit a request in writing. When done in person, you identify yourself to the venue manager or a staff member as a "problem gambler" and request an exclusion. The venue is then required to provide you with the official exclusion form, which includes your name, contact details, and a clear photograph for identification purposes. This photo is essential as it is added to the venue's "CONCERN" database, allowing staff to recognize you during their mandatory room sweeps.

Venue Obligations and the "Duty of Care"

Once the form is signed, it becomes a legally binding agreement. The venue manager must immediately update their records and ensure that staff are briefed on your exclusion. In 2026, licensed NZ venues are required to conduct room sweeps at least three times per hour to identify excluded individuals. If you are spotted in the gambling area, staff have the authority—and the legal obligation—to ask you to leave immediately. If a punter persists in breaching the order, the police may be called to issue a trespass notice, which carries separate criminal implications.

How to Self-Exclude from TAB NZ and betcha Online

For the majority of modern punters, the digital interface is the primary source of wagering activity. Understanding how to self exclude from betting sites NZ online specifically involves the TAB and its sister brand, betcha. Because both are operated by Entain NZ, an exclusion from one brand automatically triggers a block on the other. You can initiate an online account exclusion by logging into the TAB app, navigating to the "Safer Betting" or "My Account" section, and selecting "Self-Exclusion". Alternatively, you can call TAB Customer Service at 0800 102 106 to start the process over the phone.

Immediate Impact of Account Exclusion

Once the request is processed, several things happen instantaneously: your account is permanently or temporarily closed, all marketing emails and SMS messages are halted, and you are prevented from opening any new accounts under your name and ID. Any remaining funds in your account are withdrawn and returned to your nominated bank account following the finalisation of any pending bets. It is important to note that once an online exclusion is active, it cannot be revoked under any circumstances until the minimum period has expired.

• Access "Safer Betting": Find the tool within your account settings.
• Select Duration: Options range from 6 months to 5 years, or "Permanent".
• Confirm Exclusion: Once clicked, the block is immediate and irreversible.
• Mandatory Deposit Limit: Upon re-entry (if eligible), you must set a non-alterable deposit limit.

Access "Safer Betting": Find the tool within your account settings.

Select Duration: Options range from 6 months to 5 years, or "Permanent".

Confirm Exclusion: Once clicked, the block is immediate and irreversible.

Mandatory Deposit Limit: Upon re-entry (if eligible), you must set a non-alterable deposit limit.

Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE): The Broad Safety Net

For those who gamble at multiple local pubs, clubs, or TAB agencies, the Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE) scheme is the most powerful tool in how to self exclude from betting sites NZ. Instead of visiting every individual venue—which can be a stressful and triggering experience—an MVE allows you to exclude from an entire region or even the whole of New Zealand in one single request. This process is usually coordinated by a problem gambling counselor through organizations like PGF Services or the Salvation Army. You simply meet with a counselor, select the geographic regions or specific venues you want to avoid, and they handle the legal paperwork and photo distribution on your behalf.

The CONCERN National Exclusions Database

The MVE process is underpinned by the "CONCERN" database, a cloud-based electronic system that assists the gambling sector with the management of Class 4 venue exclusions. When your counselor uploads your information to CONCERN, it becomes accessible to the authorized venue managers in your selected region. This digital record-keeping ensures that your exclusion isn't just a paper agreement but a real-time tool that assists staff in identifying and supporting you to stay away from gambling areas.

Utilizing 3rd Party Exclusion for Whānau Support

A unique feature of how to self exclude from betting sites NZ is the "3rd Party Exclusion" provision under the Gambling Act. If you are concerned about a family member's gambling and they refuse to self-exclude, you can approach a venue operator or the TAB to discuss these concerns. If you provide evidence—such as unpaid household bills or bank statements—the venue operator has the legal authority to issue a "Venue-Initiated Exclusion Order". This is a serious step and requires the venue manager to have "reasonable grounds" to believe the person is causing themselves or others harm through their gambling.

The Process for Families and Whānau

To initiate a 3rd party exclusion, you should contact the venue manager or a casino host directly. They will conduct an interview and assess the information provided. If they are convinced the concern is genuine, they will issue an exclusion order for up to 2 years. This process is designed to support families in "breaking the cycle" when the gambler is currently unable or unwilling to recognize the harm for themselves. Support services like the Gambling Helpline are available to coach families through this process.

• Gather Evidence: Collect bank statements or unpaid bills to show financial harm.
• Contact the Venue: Speak with the Manager, Security, or Host Responsibility team.
• Official Assessment: The venue evaluates if there are "reasonable grounds" for exclusion.
• Mandatory Counseling: Re-entry after a 3rd party exclusion often requires proof of professional counseling.

Gather Evidence: Collect bank statements or unpaid bills to show financial harm.

Contact the Venue: Speak with the Manager, Security, or Host Responsibility team.

Official Assessment: The venue evaluates if there are "reasonable grounds" for exclusion.

Mandatory Counseling: Re-entry after a 3rd party exclusion often requires proof of professional counseling.

External Blocking Software: The Digital "Hard Stop"

For those seeking a comprehensive solution to how to self exclude from betting sites NZ, in-app tools should be paired with external blocking software. Software like Gamban and BetBlocker provides a multi-layered approach by blocking tens of thousands of gambling websites and apps worldwide, including unlicensed offshore sites that do not follow New Zealand's local exclusion laws. Unlike self-exclusion orders which rely on human recognition, these programs use digital filters to physically prevent your device from connecting to any gambling server.

Integrating Gamban with Local Support

Gamban is frequently recommended by New Zealand's problem gambling services as it is easy to install across all major device platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac). Once installed, it is extremely difficult to remove without technical support, providing a necessary barrier during moments of weakened willpower. Many punters find that the combination of a TAB account self-exclusion and a Gamban installation on their smartphone provides the "peace of mind" needed to focus on their recovery journey.

Re-Entry Procedures: How to Return Safely (or Not)

Self-exclusion is not always permanent, and understanding how to self exclude from betting sites NZ also involves knowing the re-entry process. For most pubs and TAB agencies, the exclusion automatically expires at the end of your nominated period. However, for casinos (like SkyCity) and for those who have chosen a "permanent" online block, the process is far more rigorous. You often must attend an interview with a host or security manager and may be required to provide evidence of ongoing counseling or financial stability before your account or venue access is restored.

The TAB Re-Activation Protocol

If you have self-excluded from a TAB online account and wish to re-open it after the term has ended, you must first contact their customer service team. Under Entain's 2026 safety rules, re-activation is subject to a 24-hour cooling-off period and the mandatory setting of a "non-alterable" deposit limit. This ensures that even if you return to betting, you are forced to do so within a strictly controlled financial framework that you agreed upon when you were in a stable state of mind.

• Automatic Expiration: Most retail exclusions end without further contact.
• Re-Entry Interview: Required for casinos and high-risk exclusions.
• Mandatory Deposit Limit: Required for all returning TAB/betcha account holders.
• Cooling-Off Period: A 24-hour wait between the request and account access.

Automatic Expiration: Most retail exclusions end without further contact.

Re-Entry Interview: Required for casinos and high-risk exclusions.

Mandatory Deposit Limit: Required for all returning TAB/betcha account holders.

Cooling-Off Period: A 24-hour wait between the request and account access.

Financial Barriers: Banking Blocks in New Zealand

In addition to site-specific tools, the New Zealand banking sector has introduced features to help punters manage how to self exclude from betting sites NZ financially. Many major NZ banks now allow customers to opt-in to "Gambling Blocks" on their debit and credit cards via their mobile banking apps. When activated, the bank's system automatically identifies and declines any transaction attempted at a merchant categorized under "Gambling" or "Lottery". This provides a physical barrier at the payment level, ensuring that even if you find a new site to visit, you cannot fund the account.

Managing Your Digital Wallet

Professionals also suggest removing any saved payment details from your browser or digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay as part of your exclusion process. By increasing the "friction" required to make a payment, you give yourself the valuable seconds needed to rethink a decision. Combining these banking tools with a formal self-exclusion order creates a dual-layer defense that covers both the behavior and the funding of the gambling.

Identifying Signs of Harm: When to Self-Exclude

Self-exclusion is most effective when used as a proactive step before significant crisis occurs. Part of knowing how to self exclude from betting sites NZ is recognizing the "Red Flags" of gambling harm. These include betting with money you can't afford to lose, hiding your betting activity from family and friends, or feeling a sense of "urgency" to gamble as soon as a venue opens. In 2026, NZ venues are trained to identify these signs—such as multiple unsuccessful ATM withdrawals in one day—and they may initiate an exclusion even if you haven't requested one.

Self-Assessment and Professional Audits

Service providers like GambleAware offer free online assessments where you answer a series of questions to determine the risk level of your current habits. If your score indicates moderate or high risk, it is strongly recommended to utilize at least a short-term "Take a Break" or "Cool-Off" tool (lasting 1-30 days) before deciding on a formal long-term self-exclusion. Early intervention can prevent the "downward spiral" toward the severe financial and relationship problems associated with problem gambling.

• Financial Signs: Unpaid bills, borrowing money, or raiding savings.
• Workplace Signs: Poor performance, fraud, or frequent absences.
• Relationship Signs: Family violence, neglect of children, or social withdrawal.
• Emotional Signs: Restlessness, irritability, or suicidal ideation.

Financial Signs: Unpaid bills, borrowing money, or raiding savings.

Workplace Signs: Poor performance, fraud, or frequent absences.

Relationship Signs: Family violence, neglect of children, or social withdrawal.

Emotional Signs: Restlessness, irritability, or suicidal ideation.

The Role of the Gambling Helpline and PGF Services

You do not have to navigate how to self exclude from betting sites NZ alone. The Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) is a free, confidential service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their trained staff can explain all your exclusion options, help you fill out the paperwork, and even facilitate a Multi-Venue Exclusion on your behalf. Additionally, PGF Services and the Salvation Army offer specialized face-to-face counseling and support for whānau (families) affected by gambling harm.

Counseling as a Strategic Support

Research indicates that self-exclusion is significantly more successful when paired with counseling. Counselors can help you identify the "triggers" that lead you to gamble and work on new coping strategies for stress or boredom. In many parts of New Zealand, these services also offer financial counseling to help you rebuild your credit and manage any debt that has accrued during your period of high-volume wagering.

Final Thoughts on Self-Exclusion in Aotearoa

Choosing how to self exclude from betting sites NZ is a courageous and professional step toward taking back control of your life. Whether you choose a site-specific block, a regional Multi-Venue Exclusion, or a permanent digital ban through the TAB and Entain, you are using the legal tools of Aotearoa to prioritize your well-being. Remember that self-exclusion is most effective when combined with banking blocks, external filtering software like Gamban, and professional support from counselors. The goal is to create an environment where the "urge" to gamble cannot be acted upon, giving you the necessary space and time to recover. If you are ready to start today, pick up the phone and call 0800 654 655—it's free, confidential, and the first step toward a gamble-free future.

Ngā Pātai Auau (FAQ)

Is self-exclusion free for NZ punters? Yes. All authorized self-exclusion programs in New Zealand, including MVE and TAB account blocks, are free of charge.

What happens if I try to bet at a venue while I'm excluded? If staff identify you, they will report the breach, and you may be asked to leave. You can also be fined up to $2,000 under the Gambling Act.

Does excluding from the TAB block me from other sites? An exclusion from TAB NZ automatically applies to its sister brand, betcha. It does not block you from offshore sites; for those, you should use software like Gamban.

Can my partner exclude me if I won't do it myself? Yes. Under NZ law, a "3rd Party Exclusion" can be initiated by a venue manager if they are convinced by evidence from a family member that harm is occurring.

How long does a self-exclusion last in New Zealand? You can usually choose a period from 6 months up to 2 years for retail venues, or up to 5 years (and permanently) for online TAB accounts.

What is the "CONCERN" database? It is a national electronic database used by NZ gambling venues to manage and share exclusion records, including photos, to better enforce the orders.

Can I get my money back if I bet while self-excluded? No. Bookmakers are not required to provide refunds for money spent while in breach of an exclusion agreement.

Is my self-exclusion confidential? Yes. Your name and photo are only shared with the specific venue staff and managers who need the information to identify and exclude you.

Do I have to go to the venue to exclude? No. You can request a "Remote Self-Exclusion" by calling a counselor or writing to the venue with two forms of ID and a clear photograph.

What is the "Gambling Helpline" number in NZ? The free, 24/7 National Gambling Helpline is 0800 654 655.

1 DO FOLLOW EXTERNAL LINK: For more information on the history and legal framework of wagering in Aotearoa, visit the Gambling in New Zealand Wikipedia page.