Our commitment
We want betting to stay what it should be: a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or fix financial problems. As an independent comparison service, we only feature operators that hold an Australian licence, we do not advertise sign-up inducements, and we include responsible-gambling information throughout the site. This page explains how to keep your gambling under control, how to exclude yourself if you need to, and where to get free, confidential help. If gambling is no longer fun, it is time to take a break. You must be 18 or over to gamble in Australia.
Recognising the signs
Gambling can become a problem for anyone. It may be time to stop and get support if you:
- bet more than you can afford to lose
- chase losses by betting more to win back what you have lost
- borrow money, sell things or go without essentials to gamble
- lie about or hide how much you gamble
- feel anxious, guilty or irritable about your betting
- gamble to escape stress, boredom or a low mood
- find that gambling is affecting your work, study, sleep, finances or relationships
If several of these feel familiar, please reach out to one of the services listed below.
Tools to help you stay in control
Licensed Australian operators must give you tools to manage your betting. Use them early, before there is a problem. You can usually:
- set a deposit limit that caps how much you can add over a day, week or month
- set a loss limit so your losses cannot pass a level you choose
- take a short break with a time-out or cooling-off period
- ask for an activity statement showing your deposits, bets and time spent
- close your account or self-exclude when you want a longer break
You will find these in the account or responsible-gambling settings, or by contacting the operator’s support team. Because no single operator can see your activity anywhere else, it is worth setting limits with every operator you use.
Tips to keep it fun
A few simple habits make it much easier to stay in control:
- decide on a budget and a time limit before you start, and stick to them
- only ever bet money you can comfortably afford to lose
- never chase losses; treat them as the cost of the entertainment
- don’t bet when you are stressed, upset or under the influence
- take regular breaks and keep betting as one activity among many
- never borrow money or use credit to gamble
Self-exclusion and BetStop
If you want a clean break from all licensed Australian online betting, you can register with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register. It is free, and you can choose a period from three months up to a lifetime. Once you register, every licensed Australian online wagering operator must close your accounts and stop sending you marketing. You can sign up at betstop.gov.au. You can also self-exclude from individual operators through their own settings, and many venues offer in-person self-exclusion as well.
Blocking software and other steps
Gambling-blocking software can stop betting sites and apps loading on your devices. Options include Gamban and GamBlock. You can also remove saved payment details, unsubscribe from betting promotions, ask your bank about card controls that block gambling transactions, and keep betting apps and accounts away from anyone under 18.
Preventing underage gambling
Online betting in Australia is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. Licensed operators must verify the identity and age of every customer. If you share your devices, keep your accounts, passwords and payment methods away from minors, and consider parental-control or blocking software. If you believe someone under 18 is gambling, contact the operator involved.
Where to get free support
Help is available 24/7, and it is free and confidential. You do not have to be in crisis to reach out.
- Gambling Help Online — free, confidential 24/7 support by phone, online chat and email, on 1800 858 858 or at gamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register, to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online operators, at betstop.gov.au
- Lifeline — 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14 if you are feeling overwhelmed or in distress
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia — free peer-support meetings for people who want to stop gambling
- Gambler’s Help and equivalent state services — free counselling and financial counselling available in each state and territory
Checking in on your gambling
If you are not sure whether your gambling is a problem, an honest self-assessment can help. The support services above offer free, confidential self-tests and can talk you through the results with no obligation. Checking in on your own habits is a sign of strength, not weakness.
How to reach us
We are not a counselling service and we cannot set limits or self-exclude you from an operator on your behalf, but we are glad to point you to the right resources. You can contact us at 1800 246 810 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm AEST). If you need help now, please contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, or in an emergency call 000.