Responsible Gaming
Player Safety Guide
Gambling should always be approached carefully. This page explains responsible gambling principles, common warning signs, safer gambling tools and Australian support services. It is written for adults in Australia and is designed to support informed, lower-risk decisions — not to encourage betting.
Immediate Help and Support
If gambling is causing stress, financial pressure, secrecy, conflict, anxiety or loss of control, it may be time to stop and seek support. Free, confidential help is available in Australia 24/7.
- Gambling Help Online: call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop (National Self-Exclusion): register at betstop.gov.au
- Lifeline: call 13 11 14 for immediate crisis support
Age Restriction (18+)
Gambling is restricted to adults aged 18 years or over. Anyone under 18 must not register with a betting operator, place bets, use gambling products or attempt to access age-restricted offers.
If you are a parent, guardian or carer, consider using device-level restrictions, app store controls, bank gambling blocks where available, and open conversations about gambling advertising and sports betting risks.
Gambling Is Not a Way to Make Money
Sports betting involves chance, uncertainty and risk. Even when a person understands sport well, the result of a match, race, market or live event cannot be guaranteed. Odds are built so the bookmaker has a commercial margin, and most people who gamble over time should expect to lose money.
A safer approach is to treat gambling, if used at all, as paid entertainment with strict limits. It should never be used to pay bills, recover debts, replace income, solve financial problems, cope with stress, loneliness or anxiety, chase previous losses, or prove knowledge or skill.
Safer Gambling Principles
Before gambling, consider these basic rules:
- set a deposit limit before placing any bet;
- decide a maximum loss amount and stop when it is reached;
- keep gambling separate from rent, bills, savings and credit;
- avoid betting when upset, tired, intoxicated or under pressure;
- do not chase losses;
- take regular breaks;
- keep track of time and spending;
- avoid multiple accounts if they make limits harder to maintain;
- speak to someone early if gambling feels difficult to control.
A useful test is simple: if you would feel uncomfortable showing your gambling history to someone you trust, it may be time to pause.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can look different for different people. It is not only about the amount of money spent. It can involve behaviour, mood, secrecy and loss of control. Common warning signs include:
- betting more than planned;
- increasing stakes to feel the same excitement;
- chasing losses after a bad result;
- hiding betting activity from family, friends or a partner;
- borrowing money, using credit or selling items to gamble;
- missing bills, rent, loan payments or other obligations;
- feeling anxious, angry or restless when not gambling;
- checking odds or results constantly;
- gambling during work, study or family time;
- lying about losses;
- trying to stop but returning quickly;
- seeing gambling as a solution to financial pressure.
Self-Assessment Questions
These questions are not a diagnosis, but they can help you reflect honestly:
- Have I spent more on betting than I intended this week or month?
- Have I tried to win back losses with another bet?
- Have I hidden gambling activity from someone close to me?
- Have I used money meant for essentials?
- Do I feel restless or irritated when I cannot gamble?
- Do I keep betting even when I no longer enjoy it?
- Have I opened another account after setting limits elsewhere?
- Would I advise a friend to gamble the way I currently do?
If the answers concern you, take a break and seek support. Help is available before the situation becomes severe.
Responsible Gambling Tools
Most regulated betting operators provide safer gambling tools. Availability, names and settings may vary, so always check the official operator site or app.
Deposit Limits
A deposit limit restricts how much money can be added to an account over a chosen period, such as daily, weekly or monthly. A lower limit can reduce impulsive spending and make gambling easier to budget. Set a deposit limit before betting, not after losses occur.
Loss Limits
A loss limit restricts how much can be lost within a set period. This can help prevent a short losing streak from turning into a larger financial problem.
Time Limits & Reality Checks
Time-based controls can remind you how long you have been logged in or restrict gambling sessions after a set period. Reality checks display session details.
Time-Outs & Breaks
A time-out, cooling-off period or "take a break" setting can temporarily block access to betting. This may be available for short periods such as 24 hours, a week or a month.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is a stronger step. It blocks access to gambling services for a chosen period. In Australia, BetStop is the national self-exclusion register. It allows people to exclude themselves from all licensed online and phone wagering services. Visit betstop.gov.au.
Australian Support Services
Gambling Help Online
Provides free, confidential support for people affected by gambling in Australia. Available 24/7.
Phone: 1800 858 858
Website: gamblinghelponline.org.au
BetStop
Australia's national self-exclusion register.
Website: betstop.gov.au
Lifeline
If gambling is connected with crisis, self-harm thoughts, severe distress or immediate safety concerns, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For Family and Friends
If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, try to keep the conversation calm and specific. Focus on what you have noticed rather than blame. You can also contact Gambling Help Online yourself for advice on how to support someone else.