Gambling should be a form of entertainment you can comfortably afford — never a way to make money or escape stress. Most people play without harm, but for some it becomes a problem. If that's you or someone you know, help is free, confidential and available right now.
Need to talk to someone now? Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential 24/7 support across Australia on
1800 858 858 or at
gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Warning signs
- Spending more time or money gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses to try to win money back
- Borrowing money or selling things to gamble
- Gambling to escape worry, boredom or low mood
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
Tools to stay in control
- Deposit and loss limits — set them in the casino cashier before you play.
- Time-outs and reality checks — short cooling-off periods and session reminders offered by every reputable site.
- Session and spend history — review your own activity honestly and regularly.
Self-exclusion
BetStop is Australia's national self-exclusion register. Registering once blocks you from all licensed Australian operators for your chosen period. Individual sites also offer their own self-exclusion if you want to step away from just one.
Support services
- Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858, 24/7 chat and phone support.
- Lifeline — 13 11 14, for crisis support.
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia — peer support meetings nationwide.
You must be 18 or older to gamble in Australia.
