Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems or manage stress. Every form of gambling carries risk, and no casino game can guarantee a profit. If you choose to gamble, set a budget before you begin and only use money you can afford to lose.

Practical safer gambling steps

Decide a spending limit and a time limit in advance. Do not chase losses, borrow money to gamble or gamble when upset, tired or under the influence of alcohol. Take regular breaks and keep gambling separate from essential expenses such as rent, food, bills and savings. Consider discussing your limits with someone you trust.

Most gambling services offer tools including deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. Use these tools early if gambling feels harder to control. A self-exclusion request can stop access for a chosen period and provide space to seek support.

Warning signs

It may be time to seek help if you hide gambling, spend more time or money than intended, feel anxious about losses, gamble to escape problems, chase losses, or gambling affects relationships, work or finances. These signs can affect anyone and support is confidential.

Australian support

Gambling Help Online provides free, confidential advice, counselling and self-help tools for Australians. Call 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online. For immediate emotional support, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14. Financial Counselling Australia can help people experiencing money stress. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Parents and carers should keep gambling content away from under-18s and talk openly about risk. We encourage all readers to pause and seek help whenever gambling stops being enjoyable.