Responsible Gambling
Gambling is meant to be a form of leisure—not a shortcut to income. This guide shares practical tools for staying in control, the warning signs to look out for, and all the free support options available to Australians.
Our content is for readers aged 18+. We provide information only and do not run gambling products.
Quick Help
- Need to speak with someone now? Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858 —
https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au (24/7 phone, chat, and resources) - If there is immediate danger or risk of harm, call 000.
Set Limits Before You Play
Every reputable operator serving Australians offers built-in safety tools:
- Deposit limits: set daily/weekly/monthly amounts you cannot exceed
- Loss limits: automatically stop once you hit a defined loss figure
- Time limits & reality checks: reminders after 15–60 minutes of play
- Wager limits: cap your stake size or the number of bets per session
- Cool-off periods: a pause on your account for 24 hours up to several weeks
- Self-exclusion: block access to one site or multiple brands for 6–24 months (or permanently)
How to make those limits stick:
- Decide on a weekly or monthly entertainment budget (money you can afford to lose).
- Define a session length (e.g., 45 minutes) and set an alarm.
- Enable deposit or loss limits in the cashier before you start playing.
- When a limit triggers, log out—never increase it mid-session.
Recognise the Signs of Harm
Pause and reach out for support if you notice any of the following:
- Spending more than planned or borrowing to fund play
- Chasing losses, upping stakes, or gambling while distressed
- Concealing gambling from friends or family
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or unable to stop
- Gambling affecting sleep, work, study, or relationships
Self-Exclusion and Blocking Tools
- Account self-exclusion: most sites offer this within profile or support settings
- Device/site blocking apps:
- Gamban — https://gamban.com
- BetBlocker — https://betblocker.org (free)
- Bank-level card blocks: many Australian banks let you disable gambling transactions
- Marketing preferences: unsubscribe from promotional emails/SMS and mute push alerts
Support in Australia (Free and Confidential)
National services:
- Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858 — https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Lifeline (crisis counselling) — 13 11 14 — https://www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 — https://www.beyondblue.org.au
State and territory helplines:
- NSW: GambleAware — 1800 858 858 — https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
- VIC: Gambler’s Help — 1800 858 858 — https://gamblershelp.com.au
- QLD: Gambling Help QLD — 1800 858 858 — https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/loans-debt-and-gambling/gambling-help
- SA: Gambling Help Services — 1800 858 858 — https://www.problemgambling.sa.gov.au
- WA: Gambling Help WA — 1800 858 858 — https://gamblinghelponline.org.au/where-to-get-help/western-australia
- TAS: Gambling Support Program — 1800 858 858 — https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/gambling
- ACT: Gambling Support Service — 1800 858 858 — https://www.health.act.gov.au
- NT: Amity Community Services — (08) 8944 6565 — https://www.amity.org.au
Financial counselling:
- National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007 — https://ndh.org.au
- ASIC Moneysmart — https://moneysmart.gov.au
Tips for Safer Play
- Treat every win as a bonus windfall—not guaranteed income.
- Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, or under the influence.
- Use smaller stakes or lower-volatility games to make sessions last.
- Take frequent breaks and walk away after large wins or losses.
Our Role and Disclosures
- We operate as an independent, ad-supported publisher. Some links may generate commissions, but reviews remain editorially independent.
- We actively promote responsible gambling and link to help services across the site.
Need to Talk?
Help is free and available around the clock:
- Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858 — https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Worried about someone else’s gambling? Dedicated support is also available for family members and friends.