Responsible Gambling

Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Most people gamble within their means and enjoy the activity as one form of leisure among many. For a smaller group, gambling can develop into a habit that causes financial, emotional and relational harm. This page describes how to keep gambling under control and where to get free confidential help if you or someone you know is affected.

Signs to watch for

Common signs that gambling is becoming a problem include spending more time or money than you intended, chasing losses, hiding gambling from family or friends, borrowing to fund gambling, feeling anxious about your gambling, and gambling to escape stress or low mood. Any one of these signs on its own may not indicate a problem. Several together, or one that persists, is a signal to reach out for help.

Tools available at reputable casinos

Reputable offshore casinos serving Australian players offer a standard set of responsible-gambling controls in the account settings. These include deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly caps that you set), session time limits, loss limits, reality check reminders, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion. Reductions to limits take effect immediately. Increases usually require a cool-off period before taking effect.

Australian resources

Gambling Help Online is Australia’s free, confidential 24-hour national gambling support service. You can reach a counsellor by phone on 1800 858 858 or through their website at gamblinghelponline.org.au. The service is free, anonymous, and available in multiple languages. Face-to-face and telephone counselling is available in every Australian state and territory.

BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register operated under the authority of the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Registering with BetStop excludes you from all Australian-licensed wagering services for the duration you select. BetStop does not cover offshore casinos, so self-exclusion at an offshore operator must be arranged directly with that operator.

If someone you know is affected

If you are concerned about the gambling of a family member, friend or colleague, Gambling Help Online offers support for family and friends. You can call 1800 858 858 for advice on how to raise the topic with the person concerned, how to set boundaries in your household, and how to look after your own wellbeing while supporting someone else.

Age requirement

All operators covered on this website are for adults aged 18 years or over only. If you are under 18, or you know someone under 18 who is gambling, contact Gambling Help Online for advice.