Gambling is for adults only — you must be at least 18 to take part. At its best, it's a bit of fun you pay for, like a night out. It isn't a way to make money, and it works better when you treat any losses as the cost of the entertainment.
When it stops being fun
It's worth checking in with yourself now and then. Some signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Spending more time or money than you planned, or chasing losses to win them back.
- Borrowing money, or hiding how much you gamble from people close to you.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you're not gambling.
- Letting work, sleep or relationships slide.
If any of that sounds familiar, it's a reasonable moment to pause and reach out.
Practical limits you can set
- Decide on a dollar amount before you start, and stop when it's gone.
- Set a time limit, and leave when it's up.
- Don't gamble with money meant for rent, bills or food.
- Never gamble to recover losses or because you're upset.
- Take regular breaks, and keep other things in your week going.
Where to get help in Australia
National Gambling Helpline — 1800 858 858. A free, professional and confidential service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It connects you with a gambling counsellor by phone from anywhere in Australia.
Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline.org.au). Free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone affected by gambling — including family and friends — via phone (1800 858 858), online chat and email. It also offers counselling, self-help programs, peer support groups and a free SMS service.
BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register (betstop.gov.au). A free Australian Government service that lets you self-exclude from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers in one process, for a period you choose — from three months up to a lifetime. While you're registered, those providers must not open an account for you, let you place bets, or send you marketing, and must close existing accounts and refund any credit balance.
To register, you'll need a mobile number, an email inbox, and a Medicare card, Australian passport or Australian state/territory driver's licence to verify your identity. If you need help registering, or want to use a different identity document, call 1800 238 786.
One thing to know: BetStop does not cover in-person betting such as casinos or pokie venues, or online services that aren't licensed in Australia.