Responsible gambling
Betting is entertainment you pay for, not a way to make money. Over time the operator's margin wins — that is how the business works. This page is about keeping it something you choose, and getting help quickly if it stops being that.
When it stops being entertainment
One of these on its own is not a diagnosis. Several, or one that keeps recurring, is worth acting on now rather than later.
- Betting more, or more often, than you meant to
- Trying to win back what you have lost
- Betting with money set aside for bills, rent or food
- Borrowing, selling things, or hiding transactions to keep betting
- Lying to people close to you about how much you bet
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down
- Betting to escape stress, boredom or low mood
- Work, study or relationships slipping because of time spent betting
If you recognise yourself here, the fastest thing you can do is put a barrier between you and the account — a deposit limit, a break, or registration with BetStop. You do not have to decide anything permanent to make one of those changes today.
Tools you are entitled to
Every operator licensed in Australia must provide these, and must make them straightforward to use. If you cannot find one in your account settings, ask support and hold them to it.
Deposit limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap. Reductions take effect immediately; increases are subject to a cooling-off period, which is the point of them.
Activity statements
Licensed operators must show you what you have deposited, wagered and lost over a period. Read one before you decide how you are going.
Take a break
Suspend the account for a set period. Marketing must stop for the duration.
Close the account
Permanent closure with the operator, on request. Any balance is returned to you.
BetStop
The National Self-Exclusion Register blocks you from every licensed Australian online and phone operator at once, and stops their marketing.
Block the payments
Most Australian banks can block gambling transactions on your account from the banking app. Ask yours if you want a barrier that sits outside the operator.
Free, confidential, Australia-wide
None of these cost anything, none of them require a referral, and none of them will judge you for calling.
Gambling Help Online
Free, confidential counselling by phone or online chat, 24 hours a day, every day, anywhere in Australia.
1800 858 858BetStop
The National Self-Exclusion Register. Register once to exclude yourself from every licensed Australian wagering operator, from three months to lifetime.
betstop.gov.auLifeline
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. If gambling has you in crisis, call — it is what the line is for.
13 11 14Gambler's Help
Free face-to-face and phone counselling, plus financial counselling and support for family members affected by someone else's gambling.
gamblershelp.com.auSupporting someone else
You do not have to be the person betting to get help. Gambling Help Online and Gambler's Help both counsel family members and partners, including on the financial side. If someone else's gambling is affecting your money or your household, that is a reason to call, not an imposition on the service.
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support at any hour, Lifeline is on 13 11 14.