Responsible gambling

Play for entertainment. Take a break when you need one.

If gaming stops being fun, take a break and reach out for support. Help is available 24 hours a day, every day, in Australia. Live Chat can apply cool downs, time outs and self exclusions on request, with no follow up promotional contact during the break.

Talk to Live Chat AU support services

Four core principles

How to stay in control

Gambling is intended for entertainment, not a way to make money. The four principles below cover most of what matters. Read them once, then come back when you need a reminder.

Set limits early

Choose a deposit budget and a time limit before you log in. Smaller decisions, taken calmly, beat big ones in the heat of a session.

Take breaks

Regular pauses stop autopilot play. Particularly important after a big win or a big loss, when momentum is hardest to resist.

Don't chase losses

Trying to win back losses quickly almost always leads to bigger losses. Step away, reset, and come back another time if you want to.

Ask for help

Support is confidential and free. Live Chat can apply limits, time outs and self exclusion. Independent AU services are listed below.

Worth noticing

Warning signs to watch for

Any one of these on its own is worth a pause. More than one at the same time is worth a conversation with a counsellor or a trusted person.

Gambling to escape stress, anxiety or a low mood
Increasing bet sizes to feel the same level of excitement
Chasing losses or borrowing money to keep playing
Hiding gambling activity from friends or family
Missing work, bills or commitments because of play
Feeling restless or irritable when not playing
Lying about how much time or money is being spent

Tools we provide

Built into every account

All of these are accessible through Live Chat at any hour. None of them are buried under a confirmation maze.

Deposit limits

Daily, weekly or monthly. Lock in what you can afford to lose before you start, not after the session has run long.

Cool downs & time outs

Short breaks lasting hours, days or weeks. Live Chat can apply them immediately at your request.

Self exclusion

A longer block on the account. While active you cannot log in or play. Promotional contact stops for the duration.

Self assessment

If you are unsure where you stand, the Gambling Help Online self assessment quiz is a confidential first step.

Family & friends path

Worried about someone close to you? Live Chat can talk you through what support paths are available.

National register

BetStop excludes you from every licensed Australian wagering operator at once. From three months up to lifetime.

Australian support services

Free, independent and confidential

National

Gambling Help Online

Free 24/7 service for Australian residents. Online chat, phone counselling, peer support and a confidential self assessment.

1800 858 858 · gamblinghelponline.org.au

National

BetStop

The national self exclusion register. Excludes you from every licensed Australian wagering operator from three months to lifetime.

betstop.gov.au

Crisis

Lifeline

Free 24/7 crisis support across Australia. Useful if gambling sits alongside a wider mental health concern.

13 11 14

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, contact local emergency services on 000.

Supporting someone else

If gambling is affecting a friend or family member

Supporting a friend or family member through a gambling problem is hard. A few practical things that help.

Approach

Bring it up early and gently, when neither of you is in the middle of a session or an argument

Frame

Focus on the behaviour and its effects, not on labels or accusations

Resources

Encourage them to use the independent services above. The conversations are confidential and free

Self care

Look after yourself too. Gambling Help Online supports family members and friends, not just the person playing

FAQ

Common questions about safer play

How do I set a deposit limit?

Open Live Chat and tell the agent the amount and the period (daily, weekly or monthly). They will apply it immediately. Reducing a limit takes effect right away. Increasing a limit may include a cool down period.

What is the difference between a time out and self exclusion?

A time out is a short break, usually hours to a few weeks. Self exclusion is a longer block, typically months to years. Both prevent play during the active period. Self exclusion also stops promotional contact for the duration.

What is BetStop?

BetStop is the Australian national self exclusion register. Registering excludes you from every licensed Australian wagering operator simultaneously, for a period of three months up to lifetime.

Will support contact me with promotions during a break?

No. During any time out or self exclusion, promotional contact stops for the duration. You will not receive promotional emails, SMS or in-account notifications until the period ends.

What if I want help for someone else?

Gambling Help Online supports family members and friends as well as the person playing. Live Chat can also point you to the right path.

Need to talk to someone now?

Live Chat is staffed 24/7. We can apply limits, time outs or self exclusions on the spot, or point you to a free Australian support service. Whichever you need.

Open Live Chat

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, contact local emergency services on 000.

18+ only. Please play responsibly. Gambling involves risk and is not a way to make money. Free 24/7 support is available in Australia through Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, and national self exclusion is available through BetStop.