For adults, and only for fun
This blog describes the mechanics of casino games. It doesn't urge anyone to gamble. Gambling is for people aged 18 and over. If you play, view it as a paid form of amusement, similar to the movies or a night at the footy. It isn't a method for making money or solving financial troubles.
Signs it's becoming a problem
- You use more time or money than you intended.
- You attempt to recover losses.
- You take out loans, or use funds set aside for bills, for gambling.
- You keep your gambling secret from those close to you.
- You experience irritability, anxiety or low mood about it.
- You gamble as a way to avoid stress or other problems.
Limits you can set
- Establish a budget before starting. Spend only what you can afford to lose.
- Fix a time limit and use a phone alarm to ensure you follow it.
- Keep your cards at home and bring only the cash you've allocated.
- Take regular breaks. Don't gamble if you've been drinking or feel upset.
- Don't chase losses. Stop for the day once your budget is spent.
Where to get help in Australia
Gambling Help Online
Gambling Help Online is confidential and free. It's for family, friends, or anyone else affected by or worried about gambling.
- You can contact a professional gambling counsellor via email, online chat, or by calling 1800 858 858.
- It's available across Australia, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
- It also offers a peer support forum and a self-help program in bite-sized modules.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) manages BetStop, which is a free Australian Government service. A single registration allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian phone and online wagering providers. You decide the duration, which can range from three months up to a lifetime.
These providers are prohibited from doing the following while you're registered:
- opening a betting account for you
- accepting your bets
- sending you marketing
They are also required to refund any credit balance and close any accounts you already have.
To sign up, you'll need:
- a mobile phone number
- an email address
- an Australian passport, Australian driver's licence or Medicare card
Call 1800 238 786 to talk about different ways to verify your identity if you don't have those forms of ID. You can also name up to 5 support people.
BetStop doesn't cover betting in-person, such as pokie venues and casinos. It also doesn't cover online services that aren't licensed in Australia.