Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online betting and casino games should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment. They are games of chance with no guaranteed way to make money. The house always has a mathematical edge, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Set a budget for entertainment purposes only, just as you would for cinema tickets or dining out.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is only legal for individuals aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you must not access or use any betting or casino services. Operators are required to verify your age and identity before allowing account creation.
If you are underage and struggling with gambling urges, please speak with a trusted adult or contact support services immediately.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity: Being secretive about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut back: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce gambling
- Emotional reliance: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult feelings
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking loans or using credit cards to fund gambling activity
- Relationship strain: Arguments with family or friends about your gambling
- Financial problems: Struggling to pay bills or experiencing unexpected debt
- Restlessness when not gambling: Feeling irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable online betting operators in Australia offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose over a set timeframe
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Take a voluntary break from gambling for a set duration (hours, days, or weeks) while retaining access to your account
- Reality Checks: Enable popup reminders during gaming sessions to check how long and how much you've been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account and block yourself from accessing gambling sites for an extended period (typically 6 months to 5 years)
These tools are most effective when used proactively, before problems develop. We encourage you to use them as part of your responsible gambling practice.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
Australia (Primary)
Gambling Help Online
Free online counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia
Available 24/7 with live chat, email, and phone support
United Kingdom
GamStop
National self-exclusion scheme allowing you to opt out of online gambling
Canada
Responsible Gambling Council
Educational resources and support for problem gambling
United States
National Council on Problem Gambling
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free and confidential)
Germany
Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
German health authority providing support and information on gambling addiction
Telephone Counselling: 0800 040 80 04
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. You are not alone. If you're experiencing difficulty controlling your gambling, please don't hesitate to contact one of the support organisations listed above. They offer:
- Free, confidential counselling and advice
- Support for you and your family
- Information about problem gambling and recovery options
- Referrals to specialist treatment services
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can regain control of your life and wellbeing.