Safer gambling
Gambling should never cost more than you planned
Set limits, take breaks and get support whenever you need it. Here are the tools to look for, and where to find free help in Australia.
Free, confidential support
Available to anyone in Australia, including family and friends.
Gambling Help Online
24/7 phone, live chat and email counselling. gamblinghelponline.org.au
BetStop
betstop.gov.au
The National Self-Exclusion Register for online and phone wagering. Visit BetStop
With licensed providers
Tools to look for
Licensed Australian online wagering providers must offer these. Use them from day one.
Deposit limits
Offered when you sign up. Lower a limit any time; increases only apply after a cooling-off period.
Activity statements
Regular statements of your wins, losses and net position, so you can see what you’ve really spent.
Take a break
Ask your provider to pause your account for a set period.
Self-exclusion
Close your account with one provider, or register with BetStop to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers at once.
Your own session limits
Use a phone timer or screen-time limit to keep sessions short.
Self-check
Is gambling still fun?
Think about the last few months. If any of these statements are true for you, it may be time to talk to someone.
- I've spent more than I planned to.
- I've chased losses to try to win money back.
- I've borrowed money or sold things to gamble.
- I've felt guilty or anxious about my gambling.
- Someone close to me has raised concerns.
FAQs
Safer gambling questions
Does closing one account block other gambling sites?
No — it only covers that provider. To block all licensed Australian wagering providers at once, register with BetStop.
Can I lower a deposit limit immediately?
Yes. With licensed Australian providers, limit decreases apply straight away. Increases only apply after a cooling-off period.
Is support really free?
Yes. Gambling Help Online and the services listed above are free and confidential.