Key facts
- Gambling is entertainment with a cost. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a deposit limit and a time limit before you play, not after a bad session.
- Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858 or by online chat.
- BetStop blocks you from Australian-licensed online and phone wagering providers; casino self-exclusion and blocking software cover other sites.
- Lifeline is available on 13 11 14 if you are in crisis.
Contents
What does responsible gambling mean?
Responsible gambling means treating gambling as paid entertainment with a budget and a time limit you set before you start, and knowing the warning signs of harm and where to get help. Every pokie has a house edge: over time, players as a group lose. Money you gamble is the price of entertainment, not an investment.
What are the warning signs?
- Spending more money or time than you planned.
- Chasing losses by playing again to win money back.
- Borrowing, using credit or selling things to gamble.
- Hiding gambling or lying about how much you spend.
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you try to cut down.
- Gambling to escape stress, boredom or problems.
If one or two of these sound familiar, talk to someone now rather than later.
Which tools help you stay in control?
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week or month |
| Time limit and reality check | Reminds you how long you have played and your result |
| Time-out | Blocks your account for a short break |
| Self-exclusion | Closes your account for months or years |
| Blocking software | Blocks gambling sites on your devices: BetBlocker (free), Gamban (paid) |
| Bank controls | Some banks let you block gambling payments or lower your payment limits |
Set limits when you open an account. Lowering a limit usually works straight away, while raising one often comes with a waiting period.
What is BetStop and what does it cover?
BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, blocks you from Australian-licensed online and phone wagering providers for the period you choose. Casino sites based overseas are not part of BetStop, so if you want to stop playing online pokies, also self-exclude in each casino account and install blocking software.
Where can you get free help?
- Gambling Help Online: free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858 or by online chat, for people who gamble and for their family and friends.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, 24/7 crisis support.
- BetStop: self-exclusion from Australian-licensed wagering providers.
How can you help someone else?
Talk calmly and without blame, point them to Gambling Help Online, and protect your own finances, for example by keeping separate accounts. You can contact support services on your own behalf too.
Sources
- Gambling Help Onlinegamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop - National Self-Exclusion Registerbetstop.gov.au
- Lifeline Australialifeline.org.au
- BetBlockerbetblocker.org
- Gambangamban.com
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free help with gambling in Australia?
Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential counselling and support 24/7 on 1800 858 858 or by online chat. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
What is BetStop?
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It blocks you from Australian-licensed online and phone wagering providers for the period you choose.
How do I block gambling sites on my phone?
Use blocking software such as BetBlocker, which is free, or Gamban, which is paid. Combine it with self-exclusion in your casino accounts and talk to a support service.
Can family members get help?
Yes. Gambling Help Online supports partners, family and friends of people affected by gambling, as well as the person who gambles.