Gambling should be entertainment, not a financial strategy. For most Aussie players, an occasional flutter on the pokies or a Friday night at the live tables is a harmless leisure activity. For some, however, gambling can become a serious problem that affects finances, relationships, work and mental health. This page sets out the warning signs to watch for, the tools available to help you stay in control and where to turn for free, confidential support if gambling is causing harm.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling rarely arrives suddenly. It usually creeps in over time, and recognising the early signs can make a real difference. The following patterns are commonly reported by people whose gambling has moved from leisure to harmful:
- Spending more money on gambling than you originally planned, on a regular basis
- Chasing losses — placing additional bets in an attempt to win back money you’ve lost
- Borrowing money or using money intended for essentials (rent, groceries, bills) to gamble
- Feeling anxious, restless or irritable when not gambling
- Lying to family, friends or your partner about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Neglecting work, family or social commitments because of gambling
- Feeling guilt, depression or hopelessness related to your gambling behaviour
- Increasing the size of bets in order to feel the same level of excitement
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Gambling as a way to escape stress, low mood, loneliness or other negative feelings
If you recognise yourself in several of these points, please consider talking to a free counselling service. Early conversations are easier than late ones.
Tools to Stay in Control
Every reputable online casino we recommend offers in-account responsible gambling tools. Find them under the “Responsible Gambling”, “Account Settings” or “Player Protection” section of your casino profile. The key tools include:
Deposit Limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on the total amount you can transfer into your casino account. Once you hit the limit, further deposits are blocked until the period resets. Reducing a limit usually takes effect immediately. Increasing a limit is subject to a cooling-off period of 24 to 72 hours, by design — this asymmetry helps protect you from impulsive decisions during a session.
Loss Limits
Some casinos let you set a cap on net losses over a period rather than (or in addition to) deposit limits. Once your losses reach the cap, your account is locked from further wagering until the period resets.
Session Time Limits
Set a maximum duration for each session. When the time is up, the casino either logs you out automatically or sends a clear notification reminding you to stop. Useful for players who tend to lose track of time once they’re in a session.
Reality Checks
Pop-up reminders that display your net profit or loss, total stake and session duration at regular intervals (every 15 or 30 minutes, typically). An objective, interruption-based check that’s easy to lose sight of otherwise.
Time-Outs (Cooling-Off Periods)
Take a temporary break from gambling at a specific casino — ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During the time-out you cannot deposit, wager or remove the restriction early. Useful when you feel you need to step back without making a permanent decision.
Self-Exclusion
Block your own access to your casino account for a longer period — typically six months, twelve months, five years or permanently. Once activated, the operator must close your account and refuse to reopen it during the exclusion period.
BetStop – Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register, operated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Registering with BetStop blocks you from opening new accounts and using existing accounts with all licensed Australian betting and wagering operators. Registration is free, can be completed online, and you choose an exclusion period between three months and a lifetime ban.
Important: BetStop only covers Australian-licensed operators (primarily sports betting brands such as Sportsbet, TAB and Ladbrokes). It does not extend to offshore online casinos. To exclude yourself from an offshore casino, you must use that casino’s own self-exclusion tool, available within the responsible gambling section of your account. Once activated, the operator is obligated to close your account and return any remaining balance.
Free Support Services in Australia
If gambling is causing you or someone close to you distress, free and confidential help is available 24/7. Reaching out is a step worth taking. The services below are staffed by trained professionals who understand the specific challenges involved.
- Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858. 24/7 free counselling for Australians affected by gambling. Online chat, email, and phone counselling available, including dedicated services for affected family and friends.
- Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14. 24/7 crisis support for Australians in distress, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636. 24/7 mental health support via phone and online chat.
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia — peer support meetings in major cities and online. Visit gaaustralia.org.au for meeting times and locations.
- Financial Counselling Australia — 1800 007 007 (National Debt Helpline). Free, independent financial counselling for people in financial hardship, including hardship caused by gambling.
Protecting Minors
Online casino content and gambling activity are intended exclusively for adults aged 18 or over. If you share a device with under-18s, we strongly recommend:
- Using a separate password-protected user account for any device on which you access gambling sites
- Logging out of gambling accounts when finished and clearing browser session data
- Using parental control software such as GamBlock or Net Nanny to block gambling content at the device level
- Never sharing your casino login details or completing transactions in the presence of minors
A Word from Us
Our job is to help Aussie players find better casinos. It is not to encourage anyone to gamble more than they should, or to gamble at all if they don’t want to. If you’re reading this page because something feels off about your gambling — even if you’re not sure — please call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858. The call is free, confidential and available 24/7. You don’t need to be in crisis to call. A conversation today is easier than the same conversation in six months.