PGF Services

PGF Services Free, confidential counselling, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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networks. All contributors are asked to keep in mind the Problem Gambling Foundation's core values - including integrity, respect, and excellence - when communicating with or about us. Please feel free to contact us via comms@pgf.nz

18/02/2026

Ever wondered how 'Free Bets' work?

Big tournaments often come with “free bet” offers. They sound like a win, but the data shows most people lose more than they ever receive.

That’s not luck. That’s strategy.

See how these offers really work, and how to protect yourself 👉 beingplayed.info

Need support? Take the self-test, or reach out for a chat. Free support across Aotearoa! 👉 pgf.nz

Links in bio.

17/02/2026

Spotted this before?

More games. More markets. More chances to bet.

During sporting and gaming season, small, frequent bets can feel harmless and even fun. But they’re designed to reward speed and repetition, not outcomes.

This isn’t about willpower.
It’s about behavioural design.

Understanding how it works makes it easier to pause and reset.

Explore the psychology behind betting design 👉 beingplayed.info
Need support? Reach out for a chat 👉 pgf.nz

16/02/2026

Big games. Long seasons. More “VIP” attention.

During betting season, some people start getting extra check-ins, offers, and perks. That’s not care - it’s a retention strategy.

High-value bettors are kept close because, over time, they lose more.

If it’s ever felt hard to step away during the season, that’s not a personal failing. It’s how the system is designed.

Learn how these tactics work - and how to protect yourself
👉 beingplayed.info

Think you’re being played? Take the self-test or reach out for a chat
👉 pgf.nz

Links in bio.

13/02/2026

Familiar faces. Prime-time sport. Trusted voices. Famous figures.

During sporting and gaming season, gambling shows up everywhere.

Ads borrow credibility from the things we already love - to make betting feel normal, harmless, and part of the game.

That influence matters. If it’s ever made stepping back harder, that’s not on you.

Learn how to spot the tactic this season 👉 beingplayed.info
Think you're being played? Take the self-test or reach out for a chat 👉 pgf.nz

Links in bio.

Did you know some university students are being heavily exposed to sports betting and online casino ads - some are even ...
11/02/2026

Did you know some university students are being heavily exposed to sports betting and online casino ads - some are even risking rent money and allowances?

This doesn’t mean every student will experience gambling harm. But when exposure is constant, it’s worth adding gambling to the “uni life” conversation, alongside budgeting, flatting, and managing study stress.

Simple guardrails can help. PGF’s 4 B’s are a practical place to start:

Ban the bet
Block the buzz
Bounce the transaction
Boost your support network

If gambling is starting to feel harder to manage - for you or someone you know - help is available. Our team is here to listen, without judgement.

📖 Read the article: www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/586381/university-students-bombarded-by-sports-betting
👉 Learn more about the protective 4 B's: beingplayed.info
📷 RNZ

26/01/2026

We’re creating a podcast series focused on real, lived experiences of online gambling and sports betting harm.

That includes people affected by their own gambling, or the gambling of someone close to them.

The aim of the series is to increase knowledge and understanding - so others don’t feel alone in their experience. If you’d be keen to take part, participation can be anonymous, and you’ll be given all the details upfront before deciding whether it’s right for you.

There’s no judgement and no pressure - just real stories, shared honestly, making a positive impact in our communities here in Aotearoa.

Learn more and apply here:
👉 comms@pgf.nz
👉 pgf.nz/contact

16/12/2025

"I'm actually in counselling for my betting. I've just felt real comfortable talking to them. Yeah, I feel way better and with myself now, because I have more money for myself to go to the pub or whatever. He's helped me a lot. Not scared at all - Friendly as."

Talking to someone who gets it can change everything. No judgement, only support.
Get in touch before Xmas if you're worried about your gambling.

Free. Confidential. Safe. Your call.

💬 Free, confidential support across Aotearoa: pgf.nz/free-counselling
📲 Let's have a chat: 0800 664 262
📋 Take the self-test: screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey
👉 Learn more: www.beingplayed.info
👉 Learn more: pgf.nz/knowledge-hub/category/sports-betting

Links in bio.

09/12/2025

"I've seen people addicted to other substances. The difference I'd say is with gambling, it's a lot more secretive. Like I would spend nights when my partner was sleeping, gambling because she wouldn't like seeing me on the apps."

This lived experience shows how easily chasing bets can become a cycle of harm. It's not you, it's the clever tactics used by betting companies that are designed to keep you playing.

Wonder where your gambling is at? Take a quick self-test:
📋 screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey

Feeling like you need to keep your gambling under wraps?
💬 Reach out for free, confidential support across Aotearoa: pgf.nz/free-counselling
📲 Have a chat with someone who gets it: 0800 664 262
👉 Learn more: beingplayed.info

Links in bio.

08/12/2025

"I've seen people addicted to other substances. The difference I'd say is with gambling, it's a lot more secretive. Like I would spend nights when my partner was sleeping, gambling because she wouldn't like seeing me on the apps."

This lived experience shows how easily chasing bets can become a cycle of harm. It's not you, it's the clever tactics used by betting companies that are designed to keep you playing.

Wonder where your gambling is at? Take a quick self-test:
📋 screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey

Feeling like you need to keep your gambling under wraps?
💬 Reach out for free, confidential support across Aotearoa: pgf.nz/free-counselling
📲 Have a chat with someone who gets it: 0800 664 262
👉 Learn more: www.beingplayed.info

Links in bio.

02/12/2025

"Betting has ruined sports for me. You don't really feel happy for the team winning. You kind of just get upset that you're not winning... and it kind of sucks the enjoyment out of the things you do enjoy."

What begins as entertainment can escalate unnoticed into gambling harm. Learn how online betting companies keep you playing their game, and how to protect yourself (and your wallet).

Think you're not enjoying sports and games as you used to? →

📋 Do a self check-in with our free online test: screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey
💬 Reach out for free, confidential support across Aotearoa: pgf.nz/free-counselling
📲 Have a chat with someone who gets it: 0800 664 262
👉 Learn more: beingplayed.info

Links in bio.

This week we’re unpacking the celebrity Trust Puppet tactic - how betting companies use celebrities, athletes, and influ...
01/12/2025

This week we’re unpacking the celebrity Trust Puppet tactic - how betting companies use celebrities, athletes, and influencers to win your trust, normalise gambling, and get you betting more often.

That friendly face telling you to “bet responsibly” while promoting a gambling app? That’s not protection - it’s part of the tactic:

🤝 Halo effect - the good feelings you have about the celebrity rub off on the betting brand
🤝 False sense of safety - if they’re doing it, it feels more normal and less risky
🤝 Glamour over harm - the excitement and hype hide the real impacts of harmful gambling

Don’t mistake fame for fairness. Celebrity trust is a tactic, not protection.

Let’s raise awareness and empower each other to recognise and avoid these tactics →

👉 Learn more: beingplayed.info
📋 Take the self-test: screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey
💬 Free, confidential support: 0800 664 262
📖 Read more about this tactic: pgf.nz/knowledge-hub/trust-puppets

Links in bio.

25/11/2025

"Since moving to New Zealand I got on one of the apps. It becomes a bit of a routine habit."

Have you seen “Free” hooks? They aren’t really free, and are tactics used by betting companies to keep you in their game. These Easy-Ins and early offers build habits that are hard to break.

Nothing’s free if it costs your wellbeing.

Let's raise awareness and empower each other to recognise and avoid these sneaky tactics →

👉 Learn more: beingplayed.info
📋 Take the self-test: screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey
💬 Free, confidential support: 0800 664 262
📖 Read more about this tactic: pgf.nz/knowledge-hub/easy-ins

Links in bio.

Address

128 Khyber Pass Road
Auckland
1150

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+64800664262

Website

https://www.beingplayed.info/, https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

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Our Story

At PGF Services we are trained to help. Our qualified counsellors provide free, professional and confidential counselling for both gamblers and others affected by gambling.

A gambling problem (sometimes called a gambling addiction) can significantly impact your life and the lives of those closest to you. For many people, phoning a gambling helpline or seeking help from anyone at all can be a difficult step to take.

We also have support groups. While they are not run in the same way as Gamblers Anonymous, they are designed for people who would like to work towards and maintain being ‘gamblefree’ or in control of their gambling.

Talking about your gambling, or someone else’s gambling, can bring huge relief and help you get your life back on track. We are here so that you do not need to make changes by yourself without support.