Keno and other lottery games are meant to be entertainment, not a source of worry or money trouble. This page explains what responsible gambling means, which warning signs to look out for and where you can get free, confidential help in New Zealand if gambling has become a problem.
kenoresults.nz is an information site. We do not sell games and we do not encourage anyone to gamble. We do think it matters that anyone who chooses to play does so safely and with their eyes open.
Do you or someone close to you need help?
Help is free and confidential. You do not have to deal with it on your own.
- Gambling Helpline – free support by phone, text and online chat, 24 hours a day, for people who gamble and for those worried about someone else. Call 0800 654 655 or free text 8006. gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation) – free, professional and confidential counselling across New Zealand. Call 0800 664 262. pgf.nz
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa – information about gambling harm, how lottery games work and where to find support. safergambling.org.nz
If you are in immediate danger or worried about your safety, call 111.
What does responsible gambling mean?
Responsible gambling is about staying in control and treating a ticket as a form of entertainment, in the same way as a movie or concert ticket. You pay for the fun, and you do it with money you can afford to lose.
The basic idea is that gambling should never get in the way of your finances, your relationships or your wellbeing. As long as it is enjoyable and you stay within your own limits, it is under control. When it stops being fun, or when you find yourself playing to win back what you have lost, it is time to stop and take stock.
It also helps to remember that Keno and every other lottery game is purely a game of chance. Each draw is random and independent of the one before. No number pattern, system or playing routine improves your odds, so a lottery ticket is never a way to earn or save money.
Simple habits for staying in control
A few habits make it easier to keep gambling at a healthy level. They are less about rules and more about awareness.
- Decide in advance how much money and time you are willing to spend, and stick to it.
- Never play with money set aside for rent, bills, food or other essentials.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Do not try to win back losses by playing more.
- Treat any win as a one-off, not as income you can count on.
- Avoid playing when you are stressed, feeling low or have been drinking, because it is harder to make considered decisions then.
Keno has several draws every day, which makes it easy to play more often than you intended. Setting a limit before you start is especially useful with a game that runs this frequently.
Warning signs of harmful gambling
Gambling problems often develop gradually and can be hard to notice, both for the person gambling and for the people around them. Common signs include:
- You spend more money or more time gambling than you meant to.
- You try to win back losses by playing more.
- You borrow money, or use money meant for something else, to gamble.
- You hide or lie about how much you gamble.
- Thoughts about gambling take up more and more of your day.
- Gambling is affecting your work, finances, sleep or relationships.
- You feel guilt, shame or anxiety about your gambling.
You do not need to recognise every sign for gambling to be a problem. If even one of them sounds familiar, there is nothing wrong with asking for support. Reaching out early is often what helps most.
Check your gambling habits
If you are not sure whether your gambling is a problem, there is a simple way to get an indication. The Gambling Helpline offers a self-assessment tool and self-help resources on gamblinghelpline.co.nz, and you can talk the result through with one of its counsellors if you want to.
Tools for limiting your play
Lotto NZ provides several tools for players who want to keep their spending in check:
- Spending limits – every MyLotto account has a spending limit, and you can set your own lower limit in your account settings.
- Game blocks – you can block yourself from buying particular games on MyLotto for a period you choose.
- Retail exclusion – you can ask to be excluded from buying Lotto NZ games in stores.
The details of these tools are set by Lotto NZ and can change, so check the current options at mylotto.co.nz.
Where to get help
If you or someone close to you is experiencing harm from gambling, there are several free services in New Zealand.
Gambling Helpline is a national, free service that is open 24 hours a day. Its counsellors have specialist training in gambling harm and can offer immediate support, information and referrals to face-to-face services near you. Call 0800 654 655, free text 8006 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz. It also runs specialist lines:
- Māori Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 656
- Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 657
- Gambling Debt Helpline – 0800 654 658
- Youth Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 659
PGF Services, also known as the Problem Gambling Foundation, offers free and confidential counselling throughout New Zealand for individuals, couples, families and groups. Call 0800 664 262 or visit pgf.nz.
Asian Family Services provides confidential support in several languages for Asian people in New Zealand affected by gambling harm. Call the Asian Helpline on 0800 862 342 or visit asianfamilyservices.nz.
Safer Gambling Aotearoa has plain-language information about gambling harm and a directory of support services at safergambling.org.nz.
You can also talk to your GP, or call or text 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor about how you are feeling.
For family, whānau and friends
Gambling harm does not only affect the person who gambles. If you are close to someone with a gambling problem, you may feel worried, powerless or worn down. It is important to know that you can ask for support for yourself as well.
The Gambling Helpline and PGF Services both help family and whānau, not just the person gambling. A common piece of advice is to talk openly without blaming, to set clear boundaries around money and to avoid paying off gambling debts, because covering losses often allows the gambling to continue. Remember too that a person has to choose to get help themselves. You can encourage and support them, but you cannot make the decision for them.
Age limit
kenoresults.nz is written for adults aged 18 and over.
Instant Kiwi has long been restricted to people aged 18 and over under the Gambling Act 2003. In 2026 Parliament passed a law change that extends the 18-year age limit to all New Zealand lottery games, including Keno, Lotto, Powerball and Bullseye. Lotto NZ’s official information at mylotto.co.nz sets out the age rule that applies when you play, both in store and online.
Gambling in New Zealand is regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs.
If you have a question about this page, you are welcome to get in touch through our contact page.