Peer support strengthens harm reduction by focusing on empowerment, not control. The goal is to help people regain agency over their gambling behaviour and improve overall wellbeing—whether through reducing harm, managing triggers, or working toward abstinence.

• Recognise triggers and times of risk.

• Support safe, transparent money habits.

• Encourage self-exclusion as empowerment.

• Talk openly about urges, relapse, and hope.

Always remember: Harm reduction works best through partnership, not pressure.

• Understand gambling cultures: Learn about different gambling types (Casino, pokies, sports betting, online gambling, TAB) and how they affect people differently.​

• Recognise triggers and high-risk situations: Help tangata whai ora identify personal triggers (stress, boredom, social settings, payday) and develop strategies to manage them.​

• Support financial safety: Connect people to budgeting services and financial counselling. Help them understand financial risks without managing money directly. Encourage strategies like limiting cash access and using prepaid cards.​

• Promote Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE) as empowerment: Frame Multi-Venue Exclusion as a tool for reclaiming control, not punishment. Support people through the process and celebrate this courageous step.​

• Encourage open conversation about urges and relapse: Normalise that recovery isn't linear. Create safe spaces to discuss setbacks, cravings, and struggles without shame.​

• Recognise co-occurring challenges: Be aware of mental health issues, substance use, and other challenges that interact with gambling. Know when and how to refer to appropriate services.

Every conversation is about reconnection, not restriction:​

• Build trust through shared experience and non-judgmental support.

• Offer practical tools: self-exclusion, apps, budgeting templates, trigger logs.

• Support whānau and aiga involvement when appropriate.

• Connect to community resources and peer support networks.

• Celebrate small milestones and incremental progress.

• Hold hope, even when the person struggles to see it themselves.

‍A multi-venue exclusion (MVE) is a harm-minimisation tool that helps people take control of their gambling by banning themselves from multiple gambling venues at the same time.

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Instead of going to each pub, club, TAB, or casino one by one, an MVE allows you to complete a single form that covers all of the venues you choose in your local area. This makes the process easier, less stressful, and more effective.

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How it works

• Voluntary and binding: An MVE is your choice. You decide to put it in place but once signed it becomes legally binding.

• Photo and ID required: To make it work, you provide a photo and identification so staff in those venues can recognise and support the exclusion.

• Length of time: Exclusions usually last up to two years and can be renewed if needed.

• Monitoring: Venues and staff are required by law to enforce the exclusion and ask you to leave the gambling area if you enter.

• This does not mean the public area, only the venues gambling area.

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Why MVEs matter

• Reduces access: By cutting off multiple venues at once, it’s harder to act on impulse.

• Less stressful: Instead of repeating your story at every venue, you only go through the process once.

• Supports recovery: Helps create space for change, reflection, and seeking other supports.

• Protects whānau and community: MVEs help reduce the ripple effects of gambling harm on family, friends, workplaces, and communities.

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Getting support

You don’t have to do this alone. Gambling support services across New Zealand can help set up an MVE, they will walk through the process with you and provide ongoing support.

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To find help in your area:

• PGF 0800 664 262 www.pgf.nz (free, confidential).

• AFS 0800 862 342 www.asianfamilyservices.nz (free, confidential).

• Mapu Maia 0800 212 122 www.mapumaia.nz (free, confidential).