Gambling is meant to be entertainment — a form of leisure you pay for, like a concert ticket or a night out. It is not a strategy for making money, and it should never come at the expense of your wellbeing, relationships or financial stability. This page outlines how to keep your gambling safe, how to spot when it might be becoming a problem, and where to turn for support in Australia.
Responsible gambling means approaching every bet with a clear head and a predetermined budget. It means accepting losses as the cost of entertainment, never borrowing money to gamble, and never allowing gambling to interfere with work, family or social commitments. A responsible gambler views the money they deposit as spent the moment it leaves their bank account — any winnings are a bonus, not an expectation.
The most important habit you can develop is setting limits before you start. Decide how much money and time you are willing to spend, and stick to those limits regardless of whether you are winning or losing. Most reputable online casinos offer deposit limits, session reminders and self-exclusion tools — use them. They exist for a reason.
If you feel that gambling is starting to affect your life — or the life of someone you care about — help is available. These Australian services are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.
Free 24/7 counselling, online chat and self-help resources.
www.gamblinghelponline.org.auCrisis support and suicide prevention services, available anytime.
www.lifeline.org.auPeer support meetings across the country for anyone with a gambling problem.
gaaustralia.org.auRegister to block yourself from all licensed Australian online gambling services.
www.betstop.gov.auUnderage gambling is illegal. You must be 18 years or older to gamble in Australia. If you share a device with minors, use parental controls and always log out of your casino account after each session.