We'd genuinely rather you set a limit on day one than need the helpline numbers on day one hundred. So this page leads with the controls, not the crisis lines — though those are here too, and there's no shame in using them.
The Tools in Your Spin City Account
Every Spin City account carries these controls in the settings, free and available without a support ticket:
| Tool | What it does | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week or month | Immediately; increases take effect after a delay |
| Loss / wager limit | Caps losses or total bets over a period | Immediately |
| Time-out | Locks the account for a short break | Immediately, for days or weeks |
| Self-exclusion | Closes access for an extended period or permanently | Immediately; marketing stops too |
| Reality check | On-screen reminders of time and spend | Per your settings |
One honest note on how these work everywhere, Spin City included: lowering a limit applies straight away, while raising one is deliberately delayed. That gap exists so a heated moment can't instantly undo a calm decision — it's a feature, not a glitch.
A Quick Self-Check
Answer these honestly; it takes a minute:
- Do you gamble to win back losses, or with money meant for rent, bills or groceries?
- Have you hidden your gambling, or lied about the time or money you've spent?
- Does gambling crowd out work, sleep, or the people who matter to you?
- Do you feel restless or low when you try to stop?
- Has someone close to you raised concerns about it?
A "yes" to any of these doesn't define you — it's a signal worth acting on early. Set a deposit limit today, take a time-out, or talk to one of the services below. Acting at the "hmm, maybe" stage is exactly what these tools are built for.
Free, Confidential Help in New Zealand
You never have to handle this alone, and none of these services cost a cent:
| Service | Contact | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Helpline NZ | 0800 654 655 · free text 8006 | 24/7 confidential support for players and whānau |
| 1737 — Need to Talk? | Call or text 1737 | Trained counsellors, any issue, any hour |
| Safer Gambling Aotearoa | Online resources | Information, self-help tools, local services |
| Health line | 0800 611 116 | General health advice, 24/7 |
Support is there for family and friends too. If someone you care about is struggling, the same lines will talk you through what actually helps.
Protecting Under-18s
Spin City is strictly for adults aged 18 and over, and accounts are verified by KYC. If minors share your devices, keep your login private and consider filtering software such as parental controls to block gambling sites on family computers and phones. Keeping the account and its passwords out of reach is a simple, effective safeguard.