Your Safety when Gambling Online

Responsible gaming means setting limits and treating gambling as paid entertainment. These strategies can help you stay in control.

• Decide on a fixed gambling budget and stick to it every session. Only use money you can afford to lose.
• Set time limits for your play and log out when the time is up. Use reminders or timers to help.
• Avoid chasing losses. Accept that losing is part of gambling and do not increase your bets to win money back.
• Keep gambling and everyday finances separate. Do not use rent, bills, or savings for gambling.
• Take regular breaks so you can think clearly about your decisions. Short pauses reduce impulsive play.
• Do not gamble when tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These states affect judgment.
• Use responsible gambling tools your casino offers, such as deposit limits, loss limits, and time-out features.
• Track your play and spending over time. Reviewing your activity can highlight changes in your behaviour early.
• Treat gambling as a hobby, not a way to make income or pay debts.
• Talk openly about your gambling habits with someone you trust. Outside perspective can support balanced decisions.

Gambling problems can develop gradually. Noticing early warning signs gives you a chance to act before harm grows.

• Spending more money on gambling than you planned on a regular basis.
• Feeling unable to stop gambling, even when you want to cut back or quit.
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much time or money you spend.
• Chasing losses by increasing bet size or gambling more often.
• Feeling stressed, anxious, irritable, or low mood linked to gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, family, or social activities due to gambling.
• Using gambling to escape from problems, arguments, or difficult emotions.
• Borrowing money, using credit, or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Ignoring bills or other financial responsibilities to gamble instead.
• Thinking constantly about gambling or planning your next session.

If you recognise several of these signs in your own behaviour, it may be time to seek professional support.

Online casino play in Australia is restricted to adults who have reached the legal age of majority, which is 18 years in most states and territories. Platforms are required to verify your age and identity during registration. You must provide accurate information and not allow anyone under 18 to access your gambling accounts. Protecting minors from exposure to gambling is a key part of responsible gaming and complies with Australian law.

If gambling no longer feels manageable, self-exclusion can reduce temptation and create a safer space to recover control. Online casinos that accept Australian players usually provide voluntary blocking options for your account.

You can request a temporary break, such as a short time-out, or choose a longer self-exclusion period that can last months or even be permanent. During this time, you will not be able to log in, deposit, or place bets from that account. Many sites also stop sending promotional emails or SMS messages.

Some Australian regulators and help services also offer broader self-exclusion schemes covering multiple venues or websites at once. Using self-exclusion is a sign of taking responsible action to protect your financial and mental health.

Professional help is confidential and non-judgmental. You do not need to wait until gambling harms are severe before reaching out.

• Gambling Help Online: 24/7 online counselling, email support, and resources for people affected by gambling across Australia. Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• National Gambling Helpline (Gambling Help): Phone support and referrals in each state and territory. Call 1800 858 858 for free, confidential assistance.
• Lifeline Australia: Crisis support and suicide prevention for anyone in emotional distress, including gambling-related stress. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: Mental health support for anxiety, depression, and stress that may be linked to gambling. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au
• Financial Counselling Australia (FCA): Free financial counselling through the National Debt Helpline for people dealing with gambling-related debt. Call 1800 007 007 or visit ndh.org.au
• State and territory Gambling Help services: Local face-to-face counselling and support groups, available through health services and community organisations in each region.

These organisations can discuss options such as counselling, financial advice, and self-exclusion programs tailored to your situation.