Responsible Gambling

Last updated: 21 September 2026

Gambling should be treated as paid entertainment, not as a way to earn money or recover financial losses.

Before playing, decide how much money and time you are prepared to spend. That limit should remain the same regardless of whether a session starts with a win or a loss.

Keep Control Before You Start

A few rules make limits easier to follow:

  • set a fixed gambling budget;
  • decide how long the session will last;
  • do not borrow money to gamble;
  • avoid increasing deposits to recover losses;
  • keep money for rent, food and bills separate;
  • take regular breaks;
  • avoid gambling when stressed, angry or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A bonus or cashback offer should never be a reason to spend more than originally planned.

Signs It May Be Time to Stop

Gambling deserves attention when it starts affecting everyday decisions.

Warning signs can include spending more than intended, repeatedly chasing losses, hiding gambling activity, borrowing money to continue, cancelling other plans to gamble or feeling unable to stop after reaching a preset limit.

If that starts happening, extending the next break is usually more useful than trying to “win back” the previous session.

Use Account Limits Early

Responsible gambling controls work best when they are set before a problem develops.

Depending on the available account tools, this can include loss limits, temporary breaks or longer self-exclusion periods.

Banking apps and payment providers may also offer gambling blocks or spending controls that add another layer between an impulse and a new deposit.

Self-Exclusion in Australia

BetStop is Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register for licensed Australian online and telephone wagering providers. Registration is free, and users can choose an exclusion period from 3 months up to a lifetime. While registered, covered providers must not allow betting, open new accounts or send direct gambling marketing.

BetStop does not cover every form of gambling or online casino service, so separate operator-level blocking tools may also be relevant.

Where to Get Help

Gambling Help Online provides confidential support for people experiencing gambling harm as well as family members and friends.

The Gambling Helpline – 1800 858 858 is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online chat, counselling and other support options are also available.

If gambling has also created debt problems, financial counselling can help with budgeting, creditors and longer-term financial planning.

If the Situation Is Urgent

If gambling is linked to an immediate personal safety or mental health crisis, contact an appropriate emergency or crisis service rather than relying only on gambling support.

In Australia, call 000 in an emergency. Gambling Help Online also lists Lifeline on 13 11 14 for people experiencing a personal crisis.

Our Approach

We do not describe gambling as a reliable source of income and do not guarantee winnings.

Our casino, bonus and payment content is intended to explain how products and conditions work so readers can make informed decisions and recognise the financial risks involved.

18+ only.