Need to talk to someone now? Call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 — free, confidential and available 24/7. If you are in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Keeping Betting Fun
- Set a budget before you start and only bet money you can comfortably afford to lose.
- Decide on a time limit and stick to it, even when you're winning.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win back money usually leads to bigger losses.
- Don't bet when you're upset, stressed or drinking. Your judgement won't be at its best.
- Keep gambling in balance with other hobbies, work, friends and family.
- Treat any winnings as a bonus, not as income.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Gambling may be becoming a problem if you notice that you:
- Spend more money or time betting than you planned
- Borrow money or skip bills to keep gambling
- Feel anxious, irritable or guilty about your betting
- Hide your gambling from people close to you
- Think about gambling most of the time
If any of these sound familiar, reaching out early can make a real difference.
Tools Every Licensed Australian Operator Must Offer
Under the National Consumer Protection Framework for online wagering, licensed bookmakers must give customers tools to stay in control, including:
- Deposit limits you can set at any time, with reductions taking effect straight away
- Activity statements showing your wins, losses and spending
- Take-a-break and self-exclusion options on your account
- No credit — operators can't offer you lines of credit, and credit cards can't be used to fund wagering accounts
BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is a free, Australian Government service that lets you block yourself from every licensed online and phone wagering provider in one step, for anywhere from three months to life. Once registered, operators can't open accounts for you or send you marketing.
Free Support Services
Protecting Young People
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If you share a device with children, use parental controls and keep your betting apps and logins secure.