Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment when it stays within sensible limits. For most Australians, having a punt or spinning the pokies is a bit of fun that stays exactly that - fun. But for some people, gambling can become something more serious, and there is absolutely no shame in recognising that.
Whether you are here because you are concerned about your own gambling, worried about someone you care about, or simply want to make sure you are playing responsibly, you are in the right place. This page is designed to give you practical, honest information without judgement.
Every person's relationship with gambling is different. What matters is that you have the information and tools you need to make choices that are right for you. If anything on this page resonates with you, please do not hesitate to reach out to the support services listed below. They are free, they are confidential, and they are staffed by people who genuinely want to help.
🚨 Need Help Right Now?
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Gambling Help: 1800 858 858 (free, confidential, 24/7) or Lifeline: 13 11 14. You do not have to go through this alone.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling does not look the same for everyone. It does not discriminate by age, gender, income, or background. Sometimes the signs creep in gradually, and it can be difficult to see them clearly when you are in the middle of it. The following signs do not mean you definitely have a gambling problem, but if you recognise several of them in your own behaviour, it may be worth taking a step back and having an honest conversation with yourself - or with someone you trust.
Common Warning Signs
Spending More Than You Can Afford
Regularly gambling with money that should go towards rent, bills, groceries, or other essential expenses. Finding yourself short of cash between paydays because of gambling.
Chasing Losses
Continuing to gamble after losing in an attempt to win your money back. This often leads to even bigger losses and a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break.
Borrowing Money to Gamble
Taking out loans, using credit cards, borrowing from friends or family, or selling possessions to fund gambling. This is a significant warning sign that gambling has moved beyond entertainment.
Neglecting Responsibilities
Missing work, skipping family events, neglecting personal hygiene, or failing to meet commitments because of time spent gambling or recovering from gambling sessions.
Lying About Gambling Habits
Hiding the extent of your gambling from partners, family, or friends. Minimising how much time or money you spend, or being secretive about your activities.
Feeling Anxious or Depressed
Experiencing persistent anxiety, depression, guilt, or irritability related to gambling. Having trouble sleeping because you are thinking about gambling or worrying about losses.
Unable to Stop When You Want To
Making repeated attempts to cut back or stop gambling but finding yourself unable to follow through. Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce your gambling.
Gambling to Escape Problems
Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, boredom, depression, or other emotional difficulties rather than addressing those issues directly.
Self-Assessment Questions
Ask yourself these questions honestly. There are no right or wrong answers, and nobody else needs to see your responses. This is simply a tool to help you reflect on your gambling habits.
📝 Ask Yourself:
1. Have I ever gambled longer than I originally planned?
2. Have I ever gambled to win back money I previously lost?
3. Have I ever lied to someone important about how much I gamble?
4. Have I ever felt guilty about the way I gamble or the consequences of my gambling?
5. Have I ever borrowed money or sold something to finance gambling?
6. Has my gambling ever caused relationship problems or arguments?
7. Have I ever neglected my health, work, or family because of gambling?
8. Do I feel restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down on gambling?
9. Have I ever thought about self-harm or felt hopeless because of gambling?
10. Do I often think about gambling when I am doing other things?
If you answered yes to several of these questions, it does not make you a bad person. It means that gambling may be having a bigger impact on your life than you realised, and that reaching out for support could make a real difference. Help is available, it is free, and it is completely confidential.
BetStop - National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register, established by the Australian Government and managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). It is one of the most powerful tools available to Australians who want to take a break from online gambling or stop altogether.
What Is BetStop?
BetStop is a free, government-run register that allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online wagering services with a single registration. Before BetStop, you had to self-exclude from each gambling operator individually, which was time-consuming and easy to bypass by simply signing up with a different operator. BetStop changed that by creating a centralised system that covers all licensed providers at once.
Key Point
When you register with BetStop, every licensed Australian online wagering operator is legally required to close your existing accounts and prevent you from opening new ones for the duration of your exclusion period. This is not voluntary for the operators - it is a legal obligation enforced by ACMA.
How to Register with BetStop
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Visit the BetStop Website
Go to betstop.gov.au on your computer, phone, or tablet. The website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Verify Your Identity
You will need to verify your identity using your full legal name, date of birth, and residential address. This is necessary to ensure that gambling operators can accurately match and block your accounts. The process uses Australia's Document Verification Service.
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Choose Your Exclusion Period
Select how long you want to be excluded. The available options are: 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or permanently. Choose the period that feels right for you. If you are unsure, a longer period gives you more time and space to reassess.
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Confirm Your Registration
Review your details and confirm your registration. Your exclusion takes effect immediately, and all licensed operators will be notified.
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Receive Confirmation
You will receive confirmation of your registration. Keep this for your records. You can also contact BetStop at any time to check your registration status.
What Happens After You Register
Once you are registered with BetStop, the following occurs:
- All licensed Australian online wagering operators receive your exclusion details
- Your existing accounts with these operators will be closed
- You will be unable to open new accounts with any licensed operator
- Any pending bets may be voided (check individual operator terms)
- Outstanding account balances will be returned to you
- Marketing and promotional communications from operators must cease
Exclusion Duration Options
| Duration | Best For | Reinstatement |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | A short break to reset your habits and reassess your relationship with gambling | Can request reinstatement after period ends (7-day cooling-off applies) |
| 6 Months | A more substantial break allowing time for deeper behaviour change and support | Can request reinstatement after period ends (7-day cooling-off applies) |
| 12 Months | A full year away from gambling, with time to build new habits and financial stability | Can request reinstatement after period ends (7-day cooling-off applies) |
| Permanent | A definitive decision for those who want to stop online gambling for good | Cannot be reversed |
Cooling-Off Period and Reinstatement
For non-permanent exclusions, once your chosen period has expired, you can request reinstatement. However, reinstatement is not automatic. There is a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period between your request and the reinstatement taking effect. This is designed to give you time to reconsider and ensure the decision is not made impulsively.
During the cooling-off period, you can withdraw your reinstatement request at any time. If you do not withdraw it, your exclusion will be lifted after 7 days and you will be able to access online gambling services again.
⚠️ Important to Know
BetStop covers licensed Australian online wagering services. It does not cover offshore or unlicensed gambling sites, physical casinos, poker machines in pubs and clubs, or lottery products. However, most states and territories have separate self-exclusion programs for land-based venues.
Casino-Level Responsible Gambling Tools
Beyond national programs like BetStop, reputable online casinos offer a range of responsible gambling tools directly within your account. These tools give you granular control over your gambling activity and can be an effective way to maintain healthy habits. Here is what is typically available and how each tool works.
Deposit Limits
What it does: Caps the total amount you can deposit within a chosen period - daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you hit your limit, no further deposits are accepted until the period resets.
How to set it up: Go to your account settings, find the Responsible Gambling or Player Protection section, and enter your desired limit amounts. Decreases take effect immediately. Increases typically require a 24-72 hour cooling-off period to prevent impulsive decisions.
Loss Limits
What it does: Sets a maximum amount you can lose within a specified period. Once reached, you will be unable to place further bets until the period resets, regardless of your remaining balance.
How to set it up: Found in the same Responsible Gambling section. Choose daily, weekly, or monthly loss limits. This is one of the most effective tools for protecting your bankroll.
Session Time Limits
What it does: Limits how long you can play in a single session. When your time is up, you will be logged out or prevented from placing further bets. This helps prevent marathon sessions where losses can accumulate.
How to set it up: Set your preferred session duration in account settings. Most casinos allow you to choose between 30 minutes and several hours. When your session ends, you will need to take a break before logging back in.
Reality Checks
What it does: Sends you periodic pop-up notifications during play showing how long you have been playing and your net wins or losses for the session. This helps you stay aware of time and money spent.
How to set it up: Choose your preferred notification interval (e.g., every 30, 60, or 90 minutes). When the alert appears, you can review your session and decide whether to continue or stop.
Wager Limits
What it does: Restricts the maximum amount you can wager (total bets placed) within a set period. This is different from loss limits as it counts all bets, not just losses.
How to set it up: Available at some casinos in the Responsible Gambling settings. Set your maximum wagering amount per day, week, or month. This is particularly useful for high-frequency players.
Cool-Off Periods
What it does: Temporarily suspends your account for a set period, typically ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks. During a cool-off, you cannot log in, deposit, or play. Your account and balance remain intact.
How to set it up: Select the cool-off option in your Responsible Gambling settings and choose your duration. The cool-off begins immediately and cannot be reversed until the period ends.
Per-Casino Self-Exclusion
What it does: Excludes you from a specific casino for a defined period (typically 6 months to 5 years, or permanently). This is separate from BetStop and applies only to the individual operator.
How to set it up: Contact the casino's customer support or use the self-exclusion option in your account settings. You will choose a duration, and the casino will close your account for that period.
Account Closure
What it does: Permanently closes your account with a specific casino. Your remaining balance will be returned to you, and you will no longer have access to the platform.
How to set it up: Contact customer support to request permanent account closure. You will receive confirmation once the process is complete. Any outstanding balances will be paid out according to the operator's terms.
Our Recommendation
We recommend that every player, regardless of experience level, sets at least a deposit limit and turns on reality checks. These two tools alone can make a significant difference in keeping your gambling enjoyable and within your means. It takes less than two minutes to set up and could save you from a decision you might regret.
Setting a Gambling Budget
One of the most effective ways to gamble responsibly is to set a clear, realistic budget before you play - and to stick to it no matter what. Think of gambling like going to the cinema or a sporting event: you decide in advance how much you are willing to spend on entertainment, and once it is gone, it is gone.
How to Calculate Your Entertainment Budget
Your gambling budget should come from your discretionary income - the money left over after all essential expenses are covered. Here is a practical approach:
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Calculate Your Monthly Income
Add up all sources of after-tax income. This includes your salary, any side income, and government payments. Use the amount that actually hits your bank account, not your gross pay.
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Subtract All Essential Expenses
Deduct rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transport, insurance, minimum debt repayments, medications, and any other non-negotiable expenses. Be thorough and honest with yourself here.
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Set Aside Savings
Before you allocate anything to entertainment, make sure you are putting money towards savings, emergency funds, and financial goals. Even a small amount set aside regularly adds up over time.
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Allocate Your Entertainment Budget
From what remains, decide how much you want to spend on all entertainment - dining out, streaming subscriptions, hobbies, and gambling. Your gambling budget should be a portion of this, not all of it.
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Set Your Gambling Limit
Decide on a fixed amount that you are genuinely comfortable losing completely. This is not money you hope to win back or grow. It is the cost of entertainment, similar to what you would spend on a night out.
The Golden Rule: Only Gamble What You Can Afford to Lose
This is not just a cliche - it is the most important principle in responsible gambling. The money you use for gambling should be money that, if it disappears entirely, will not affect your ability to pay bills, buy food, meet financial commitments, or live your normal life. If losing a certain amount would cause you stress or hardship, that amount is too much.
🚨 Never Gamble With:
Rent or mortgage money - Your housing security is not worth any bet.
Bill money - Utilities, phone, insurance, and other obligations come first.
Savings - Your emergency fund and long-term savings are off limits.
Borrowed money - Never take out loans, use credit cards, or borrow from others to gamble.
Money you need for food or medicine - Basic needs are non-negotiable.
Consider a Separate Gambling Account
Setting up a separate bank account or e-wallet specifically for gambling can be a powerful budgeting tool. Each week or month, transfer your predetermined gambling budget into this account. When it is empty, you are done for that period. This creates a clear physical boundary between your gambling money and your living expenses, and it makes it much easier to track exactly how much you are spending.
Track Your Spending
Keep a record of every deposit you make and every withdrawal you receive. Most online casinos provide transaction histories in your account, but you may find it helpful to maintain your own simple spreadsheet or use a budgeting app. Seeing your actual gambling expenditure in black and white can be a powerful reality check. Many people are surprised to discover they are spending more than they thought.
Tips for Staying in Control
Responsible gambling is not about never having fun - it is about making sure gambling remains fun and does not become a problem. These practical tips can help you maintain a healthy relationship with gambling.
Set Time Limits Before You Start
Decide how long you will play before you log in, and stick to it. Set an alarm on your phone if you need to. It is easy to lose track of time when you are playing, and marathon sessions often lead to poor decisions and bigger losses.
Never Chase Losses
Chasing losses is one of the most dangerous behaviours in gambling. When you lose, the urge to keep playing to win it back can be strong, but the odds have not changed. Chasing losses almost always leads to losing more. Accept the loss, walk away, and come back another day within your budget.
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from the screen regularly. Make a cup of tea, go for a walk, or do something else entirely. Breaks help you maintain perspective, reassess how much you have spent, and make clearer decisions about whether to continue.
Do Not Gamble When Emotional
Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, angry, lonely, or intoxicated. Emotional states impair your judgement and make it harder to stick to your limits. Gambling should be done when you are calm, clear-headed, and in a good frame of mind.
Treat Gambling as Entertainment
Gambling is a form of entertainment with a cost, just like going to the cinema or a concert. It is not a way to make money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge in the long run. If you approach gambling as entertainment, the pressure to win disappears.
Balance With Other Activities
Make sure gambling is just one of many activities you enjoy. Maintain your hobbies, exercise, socialise with friends and family, and pursue other interests. If gambling is your only form of entertainment or relaxation, it may be taking up too much space in your life.
✅ Keep Gambling Fun
The moment gambling stops being enjoyable and starts feeling like an obligation, a source of stress, or something you feel you need to do, it is time to take a step back. Gambling at its best is social, light-hearted, and exciting. If it does not feel that way, give yourself permission to stop.
Where to Get Help
If gambling is causing you distress, financial hardship, or relationship problems, please know that help is available. All of the services listed below are free and confidential. You do not need to give your name, and no information is shared without your consent. There is no judgement, and there is no wrong time to reach out.
Gambling Help Online
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call, 24/7)
Website: gamblinghelponline.org.au
Services: Phone counselling, online chat, email support, and self-help tools. Available around the clock, every day of the year. Professionally trained counsellors who specialise in gambling-related issues.
Gamblers Anonymous Australia
Website: gaaustralia.org.au
Services: Peer support meetings held regularly across Australia and online. A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to recover from gambling addiction. No fees, no dues.
Lifeline
Phone: 13 11 14 (free call, 24/7)
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Services: Crisis support and suicide prevention. If gambling has brought you to a dark place and you are having thoughts of self-harm, Lifeline is here for you. Trained crisis supporters are available 24/7.
Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636
Website: beyondblue.org.au
Services: Support for depression, anxiety, and related disorders. If gambling has affected your mental health, Beyond Blue offers phone support, online chat, forums, and resources to help you find your way back.
Financial Counselling Australia
Phone: 1800 007 007 (free call)
Website: financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au
Services: Free financial counselling from qualified professionals. If gambling has left you in debt or financial difficulty, financial counsellors can help you understand your options, negotiate with creditors, and create a plan to get back on track.
Online Chat Support
Gambling Help: Live chat available at gamblinghelponline.org.au
Lifeline: Text-based support via their website
Services: If you find it easier to type than talk, online chat options let you connect with a counsellor in real time. Available from your phone, tablet, or computer.
State-Specific Support Services
| State/Territory | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Office of Responsible Gambling | responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au |
| Victoria | Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation | responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au |
| Queensland | Queensland Government Gambling Help | qld.gov.au/gambling |
| South Australia | Office for Problem Gambling | problemgambling.sa.gov.au |
| Western Australia | Problem Gambling Support | gamblinghelponline.org.au |
| Tasmania | Gambling Support Program | gamblinghelponline.org.au |
| ACT | ACT Gambling Support Service | gamblinghelponline.org.au |
| Northern Territory | Amity Community Services | amity.org.au |
For Friends and Family
If you are worried about someone you care about, you are not alone, and your concern matters. Watching someone struggle with gambling can be incredibly difficult. You might feel frustrated, helpless, angry, or scared. All of those feelings are completely valid.
It is important to understand that problem gambling is not a sign of weakness or moral failure. It is a behavioural issue that can affect anyone, and recovery is absolutely possible with the right support. Here is some guidance on how you can help.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Someone close to you may have a gambling problem if you notice:
- Unexplained financial difficulties, such as being unable to pay bills or constantly borrowing money
- Secretive behaviour, especially around phone use or internet activity
- Mood swings, irritability, or signs of anxiety and depression
- Spending increasing amounts of time away from home or online without clear explanation
- Lying about where they have been or what they have been doing
- Missing money, valuable items, or unexplained bank withdrawals
- Neglecting work, family responsibilities, or personal care
- Becoming defensive or angry when gambling is mentioned
- Making promises to stop but continuing to gamble
How to Start the Conversation
Talking to someone about a potential gambling problem requires sensitivity and care. Here are some approaches that can help:
✅ Helpful Approaches
Choose the right moment: Find a calm, private time when neither of you is stressed or rushed. Avoid bringing it up during an argument or immediately after a gambling-related incident.
Use "I" statements: Instead of "You have a gambling problem," try "I have noticed some things that are worrying me, and I care about you." This feels less like an accusation.
Be specific but gentle: Reference specific behaviours you have noticed rather than making broad judgements. "I noticed we could not pay the electricity bill this month" is more constructive than "You are ruining our finances."
Listen more than you speak: Give them space to respond. They may not be ready to open up immediately, and that is okay. The fact that you have raised your concern plants a seed.
Offer support, not ultimatums: Let them know you are there to help, not to punish. "I want to support you through this" is more effective than "If you do not stop, I will leave."
🚫 What NOT to Say
"Just stop gambling" - If it were that simple, they would have already stopped. Problem gambling involves complex psychological and often neurological factors.
"You are so selfish/irresponsible" - Shame and blame push people further into isolation and can make the problem worse.
"I will bail you out this time" - Paying off gambling debts without addressing the underlying issue enables continued gambling. This is different from helping them access professional support.
"How could you do this to us?" - While your feelings are valid, framing it as a personal attack can shut down communication.
Support Services for Families
You deserve support too. Living with or caring about someone with a gambling problem takes a toll on your own mental health and wellbeing. These services can help:
- Gambling Help (1800 858 858) - Not just for gamblers. Counsellors also support family members and friends who are affected.
- Relationships Australia - Offers couples and family counselling to help repair relationships affected by gambling. Visit relationships.org.au.
- Gam-Anon - A fellowship specifically for the family and friends of people with gambling problems. Provides peer support and understanding from others who know what you are going through.
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) - If the situation is affecting your own mental health, Beyond Blue can help you access the support you need.
Protecting Shared Finances
If gambling is threatening your household's financial security, it is reasonable to take practical steps to protect shared finances:
- Consider separating joint bank accounts temporarily until the situation stabilises
- Change passwords on shared financial accounts
- Monitor bank statements and credit card activity
- Contact your bank about setting up account alerts for large transactions
- Seek advice from a free financial counsellor (1800 007 007) about managing debt
- If there are shared loans or debts, speak to the lender about your situation - they may offer hardship provisions
Taking these steps is not a betrayal. It is a responsible action to protect your family's security while supporting someone you care about to get the help they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
BetStop is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register, managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). When you register at betstop.gov.au, all licensed Australian online wagering operators are legally required to close your accounts and prevent you from opening new ones. You can choose exclusion periods of 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or permanently. Registration is free and takes just a few minutes.
Warning signs include spending more than you can afford, chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble, neglecting responsibilities, lying about your gambling, feeling anxious or depressed about gambling, being unable to stop when you want to, and gambling to escape problems. If you recognise several of these signs, it may be time to seek support. The self-assessment questions earlier on this page can also help you reflect on your habits.
The Gambling Help hotline number is 1800 858 858. It is completely free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access support via online chat at gamblinghelponline.org.au. Trained counsellors are there to help whether you are in crisis or just want to talk through your concerns.
Yes, most reputable online casinos offer deposit limits that you can set on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. These limits cap the total amount you can deposit within your chosen period. You can usually find these settings under "Responsible Gambling" or "Player Protection" in your account. Decreases to your limits take effect immediately, while increases typically have a cooling-off period of 24-72 hours to prevent impulsive decisions.
Through BetStop, you can choose self-exclusion periods of 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or permanent. For non-permanent exclusions, you can request reinstatement once your chosen period has expired. There is a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period before reinstatement takes effect, during which you can change your mind. Permanent exclusion cannot be reversed. Per-casino self-exclusion options vary by operator.
Yes, absolutely. All major gambling help services in Australia are completely free and confidential. This includes Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858), Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Financial Counselling Australia (1800 007 007), and Gamblers Anonymous. You do not need to provide your real name, and no information is shared without your explicit consent. These services are funded by government and industry contributions.
Start by calculating your total monthly income after tax. Subtract all essential expenses including rent, bills, groceries, transport, and debt repayments. Set aside money for savings. From your remaining discretionary income, allocate a small, fixed amount for gambling that you would genuinely be comfortable losing entirely. Consider setting up a separate bank account for gambling funds. Use the deposit limit tools at your casino to enforce your budget automatically.
Approach them with compassion and without judgement. Choose a calm, private moment and use "I" statements to express your concerns (e.g., "I have noticed..." rather than "You always..."). Avoid ultimatums or lecturing. Listen more than you speak. Let them know help is available and offer to support them in accessing services. You can also call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 yourself for advice on how to support someone you care about. Remember to look after your own wellbeing too.
Reputable online casinos typically offer deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), loss limits, session time limits, reality check alerts, wager limits, cool-off periods (24 hours to 6 weeks), per-casino self-exclusion, and full account closure. These tools are usually found in your account settings under "Responsible Gambling" or "Player Protection." We recommend that all players set at least a deposit limit and enable reality checks.