Player wellbeing and control

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should remain a form of paid entertainment. This page provides practical ways to set boundaries, recognise changes in behaviour and seek confidential support in Australia.

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Keep Gambling in Perspective

Casino games and sports bets involve risk. No system, bonus, loyalty status or previous result can guarantee a future win. Treat every deposit as money allocated to entertainment and never as income, savings or a way to solve financial pressure.

  • Decide the budget and session length before starting.
  • Do not chase losses or raise stakes to recover money.
  • Never borrow to gamble or use funds needed for essentials.
  • Avoid gambling while distressed, intoxicated or unable to concentrate.
  • Take regular breaks and keep other activities in your routine.

Set Financial and Time Boundaries

Use limits that reflect disposable entertainment money, not the maximum amount available in an account. A useful plan covers deposits, losses, individual bets and session time.

Before a session

Choose an amount you can lose without affecting rent, bills, food, transport, debt payments or savings. Set a clear finishing time and do not extend it because of a win or loss.

After a session

Review the actual amount spent and time used. If the result differs from the plan, lower the next limit or take a longer break.

Signs That Gambling May Be Causing Harm

One sign can be enough to justify a pause. Pay attention if gambling begins to affect money, mood, sleep, relationships or work.

  • Thinking constantly about the next deposit, bet or way to recover a loss.
  • Hiding activity or spending from people you trust.
  • Increasing stakes to recreate excitement.
  • Feeling anxious, irritable or unable to stop.
  • Using credit, loans or essential household money.
  • Missing responsibilities because of gambling sessions.
If setting a limit repeatedly fails, stop gambling and use self-exclusion or professional support rather than trying to regain control during another session.

Account Controls and Breaks

Check the responsible gambling area of the active account for available deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks, session controls or account closure options. Availability and activation rules can vary.

Contact support if a control is difficult to locate or if immediate account restriction is needed. Do not open another account to avoid an existing limit or exclusion.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is designed for players who need access blocked for a chosen or indefinite period. Read the scope, duration and reopening conditions before confirming. In Australia, BetStop provides a national self-exclusion register for licensed interactive wagering services.

Blocking software, bank gambling blocks and removal of saved payment methods can add practical layers of protection.

Protecting Minors

Gambling access is for adults only. Keep account credentials and payment devices private, sign out on shared devices and do not leave a gambling session open where a child can reach it. Parental-control and content-filtering tools can help restrict access.

Supporting Someone Else

Choose a calm moment, describe the behaviour you have noticed and listen without judgement. Avoid lending money or covering gambling debts in a way that enables further play. Encourage confidential counselling and obtain support for yourself as well.

Australian Gambling Support

Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support throughout Australia by phone and online counselling. BetStop can help eligible people exclude themselves from Australian licensed interactive wagering providers.

  • Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858
  • Online support: gamblinghelponline.org.au
  • National self-exclusion: betstop.gov.au

Urgent Help

If gambling-related distress creates an immediate risk of harm, call Triple Zero (000). For crisis support in Australia, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.

Do not wait for the next session to change the situation. Stop access to funds and gambling accounts, contact someone you trust and reach professional support.