Exclusion From Gambling Venues

Exclusion from gambling venues

There are a number of ways to limit or block your access to gambling. The best option for you depends on the type of gambling that’s causing concern.

All gaming machine (pokie) venues and casinos in Aotearoa are legally required to exclude people from gambling at their premises if requested to do so by the person. Self-exclusion can be a great way to prevent yourself from gambling while you consider its impact on your life.

Self-exclusion from gaming machine (pokie) venues and casinos

By law, any person can enter a gaming machine (pokie) venue or casino and request to be excluded for up to two years. You will have to show your ID, fill out a form, and have your photo taken, so that staff can ensure they recognise you if you attempt to gamble on site.

Once you are excluded from a venue, it is illegal for you to enter the gambling area of that venue. If you breach your exclusion, you can be liable to a fine of up to $500, and the venue manager can be liable to a fine of up to $5000.

For more guidance around applying for self-exclusion at a venue, please contact your nearest Oasis location or phone on 0800 53 00 00 to be connected to your nearest centre.

Multi Venue Exclusion from gaming machine (pokie) venues

Multi Venue Exclusion or MVE is a tool to enable people to self-exclude from multiple gaming machine (pokie) venues in their region at the same time, without having to visit each individual site. This is an easy administrative legal process, and breaching an MVE carries the same penalties as a normal self-exclusion (a fine of up to $500 for the excluded person, and up to $5000 for the venue manager).

The Salvation Army Oasis and other gambling harm services can help you obtain an MVE. You will typically need to meet with a gambling counsellor and show your ID, fill out a form, and have your photo taken. For information about how to arrange MVE, please contact your nearest Oasis centre or phone on 0800 53 00 00.

Excluding yourself from Lotto, TAB, or online gambling

Lotto has many options to block yourself from MyLotto games and promotions, and set spending limits through your MyLotto account. You can also request to exclude yourself from retail Lotto stores. Visit the Responsible Gambling section of the Lotto website for more information.

TAB also allows you to set spending limits, suspend your account or exclude yourself from TAB stores. Learn more by visiting the Responsible Gambling section of the TAB website.

If you gamble online, you can use blocking and content control software to block online gambling on your computer or device. Look out for Oasis’s Online Gambling Blockers Fact Sheet or our how-to videos for details on the options and how to use them.