Key facts
- Bet what you'd happily spend on a day out, and not a cent more.
- Set limits before the first race or the first spin.
- BetStop covers every Australian-licensed bookmaker in one go.
- Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858, free and confidential, 24/7.
- Crisis support: Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Contents
When should you leave the track?
You should leave the track, or the pub, or the casino tab, when the budget's gone, when you catch yourself chasing, or when it's stopped being fun. Old punters have a saying: the bookies' best customers are the ones who can't go home a loser. Don't be one of them.
What are the warning signs?
- Betting more than you planned, more often than you planned.
- Chasing a loss on the next race or the next spin.
- Borrowing, using credit or selling things to bet.
- Hiding it from people close to you.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back.
- Betting to escape stress or boredom.
One or two of these is enough reason to have a yarn with someone.
Which tools help?
| Tool | Where |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Every Australian-licensed bookmaker must offer one; most casinos offer them too |
| Activity statements | Australian-licensed bookmakers send regular statements of your wins and losses |
| BetStop | One-stop self-exclusion from all Australian-licensed wagering providers |
| Casino self-exclusion | Account settings or support at each casino |
| Blocking software | BetBlocker (free) or Gamban (paid) |
| Bank gambling blocks | Your banking app, at banks that offer them |
Credit cards can't be used to fund online wagering in Australia, which is a useful brake in itself.
Who can you call?
- Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858, or online chat. Free, confidential, 24/7, for you and for family and mates.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, any time.
- BetStop: self-exclusion from Australian-licensed wagering providers.
Nobody's going to judge you. Ringing early is the smartest bet you'll make.
Sources
- Gambling Help Onlinegamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop - National Self-Exclusion Registerbetstop.gov.au
- Lifeline Australialifeline.org.au
- BetBlockerbetblocker.org
- Gambangamban.com
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get gambling help in Australia?
Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, 24/7, free and confidential. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
What is BetStop?
The National Self-Exclusion Register. One registration blocks you from all Australian-licensed online and phone wagering providers for the time you choose.
How do I stop playing at online casinos?
Self-exclude in each casino account, install blocking software such as BetBlocker or Gamban, ask your bank about gambling blocks, and talk to a counsellor.