Responsible Gambling Australia

Understanding Problem Gambling

Problem gambling, sometimes called gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, occurs when gambling behaviour causes harm to the person gambling, their family, their finances, or their broader community. It is not about how much money a person spends or how often they gamble. It is about whether gambling is causing negative consequences in their life.

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling exists on a spectrum. At one end is recreational gambling, where a person gambles within their means for entertainment. At the other end is severe gambling disorder, a recognised mental health condition in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Between these two points is a large grey area sometimes called "at-risk" gambling, where a person may not yet be experiencing severe harm but is developing patterns that could lead to problems. Understanding where you sit on this spectrum is an important first step.

Gambling in Australia: The Numbers

Australia has one of the highest rates of gambling participation in the world. The facts paint a sobering picture:

• 73% of Australian adults engage in some form of gambling activity each year, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Approximately 1-2% of Australian adults experience problem gambling at any given time, equating to roughly 200,000 to 400,000 people
• A further 4-8% are considered at-risk gamblers who may develop problems if their behaviour continues
• For every person with a gambling problem, an estimated 5-10 other people are directly affected, including partners, children, parents, friends, and colleagues
• Australians lose more than A$25 billion per year on gambling, the highest per-capita losses in the world
• Pokies (electronic gaming machines) account for the single largest share of gambling losses in Australia

Why Does Problem Gambling Develop?

Problem gambling is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a complex condition influenced by a combination of factors:

• Biological factors: Gambling activates the brain's reward system in a similar way to substances. Some people are more neurologically susceptible to this activation than others
• Psychological factors: Underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma can increase vulnerability. Gambling may initially seem like a way to cope with difficult feelings
• Social factors: Peer group norms, exposure to gambling advertising, family history of gambling, and social isolation can all contribute
• Environmental factors: Easy access to gambling products, particularly online and through mobile devices, removes barriers that might otherwise slow down gambling behaviour
• Game design factors: Modern gambling products, especially electronic gaming machines and online pokies, are deliberately designed with features that encourage continued play, such as near-miss effects, losses disguised as wins, and variable reward schedules

Understanding that problem gambling has identifiable causes is important because it means it also has identifiable solutions. It is a treatable condition, and recovery is entirely possible.

Self-Assessment: Is Gambling Affecting Your Life?

The following questions are adapted from internationally validated screening tools used by gambling counsellors. They are not a diagnosis, but they can help you reflect honestly on your gambling behaviour. Answer each question as truthfully as you can.

Interpreting Your Answers

• 0 "yes" answers: Your gambling appears to be recreational and within healthy boundaries. Continue to monitor your habits and revisit this questionnaire periodically
• 1-2 "yes" answers: You may be at risk of developing a gambling problem. Consider setting firmer limits on your time and spending, and be aware of the warning signs described below
• 3-4 "yes" answers: Your gambling is likely causing some harm in your life. We strongly encourage you to speak with a gambling counsellor. The Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) is a good place to start
• 5 or more "yes" answers: Your gambling behaviour is consistent with problem gambling. Please reach out for support. You are not alone, and effective help is available. Call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

This questionnaire is a guide only. Even one "yes" answer can indicate an area worth paying attention to. If you have any concerns about your gambling, speaking with a professional is always a worthwhile step.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling does not always look the way people expect. It is not limited to any particular demographic, income level, or type of gambling. Below are detailed warning signs to be aware of, both in yourself and in people you care about.

Financial Warning Signs

• Unexplained financial difficulties: Bills going unpaid, sudden requests to borrow money, or an inability to explain where money has gone. A person may have an adequate income but still seem constantly short of funds
• Secret bank accounts or credit cards: Opening new financial accounts specifically for gambling or to hide gambling transactions from a partner
• Selling possessions: Selling jewellery, electronics, vehicles, or other valuables to fund gambling or cover losses
• Depleting savings: Drawing down emergency funds, superannuation (where accessible), or children's savings accounts
• Increasing debt: Taking out personal loans, payday loans, or cash advances. Maxing out credit cards. Borrowing from family or friends with no realistic plan to repay
• Financial secrecy: Hiding bank statements, changing passwords on financial accounts, intercepting mail, or becoming defensive when asked about money

Behavioural Warning Signs

• Spending increasing amounts of time gambling: Sessions that stretch for hours, or gambling multiple times per day on a phone or computer
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, ignoring household tasks, not picking up children, or forgetting important commitments
• Chasing losses: The belief that continuing to gamble will recover money that has been lost. This is one of the most harmful patterns because the probability of winning does not change based on previous losses
• Lying about gambling: Minimising the amount of time or money spent, fabricating stories about whereabouts, or denying gambling altogether
• Gambling alone and in secret: Preferring to gamble in isolation, particularly online or on mobile devices, often late at night
• Restlessness when not gambling: Difficulty relaxing, concentrating, or sleeping when not able to gamble. Constantly checking gambling apps or websites
• Failed attempts to stop: Making promises to stop or cut back, only to return to gambling shortly after

Emotional and Psychological Warning Signs

• Mood swings: Extreme highs after a win and extreme lows after a loss, with emotional states closely tied to gambling outcomes
• Anxiety and depression: Persistent feelings of worry, hopelessness, or sadness, particularly related to financial pressure caused by gambling
• Guilt and shame: Deep regret after gambling sessions, often followed by a desire to gamble again to escape those very feelings
• Irritability: Becoming easily angered or frustrated, particularly when confronted about gambling or when unable to gamble
• Social withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family activities, hobbies, and social events that were previously enjoyed
• Suicidal thoughts: In severe cases, the financial and emotional pressure of problem gambling can lead to suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 immediately

Relationship Warning Signs

• Increased conflict: Arguments about money, time, trust, and honesty that are directly or indirectly related to gambling
• Emotional distance: A person who was previously engaged and present becoming withdrawn, distracted, or emotionally unavailable
• Broken promises: Repeated promises to change that are not followed through, eroding trust over time
• Impact on children: Children may notice financial stress, parental arguments, emotional instability, or the absence of a parent who is spending time gambling

If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it is important to know that acknowledging the problem is a significant and courageous first step. Support is available, and recovery is achievable.

Casino Safety Tools: How to Set Up Protections

Reputable online casinos offer a range of tools designed to help players stay in control of their gambling. Understanding what these tools are and how to activate them is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect yourself. Below is a guide to each tool and how to set it up.

Deposit Limits

What it does: Sets a maximum amount you can deposit into your casino account over a given period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once the limit is reached, the casino will reject any further deposit attempts until the period resets.

How to set it up:

1. Log in to your casino account and navigate to your profile or account settings
2. Look for a section labelled "Responsible Gambling", "Player Protection", or "Limits"
3. Select "Deposit Limit" and choose your preferred timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
4. Enter the maximum amount you are comfortable depositing in that period
5. Confirm the limit. It should take effect immediately

Important: Lowering your deposit limit usually takes effect straight away. Increasing it typically requires a 24-72 hour cooling-off period, which is a deliberate safety measure to prevent impulsive decisions.

Loss Limits

What it does: Caps the total amount you can lose over a set period. Unlike deposit limits, loss limits track your net losses (deposits minus withdrawals and remaining balance). When the limit is hit, you will not be able to place further bets.

How to set it up:

1. From the same Responsible Gambling or Limits section, select "Loss Limit"
2. Set a daily, weekly, or monthly loss limit that aligns with what you can genuinely afford to lose
3. Be honest with yourself when setting this figure. The purpose is to prevent losses that would cause financial stress

Tip: Set your loss limit before you begin any gambling session, not during one. Decisions made during play, especially after losses, are rarely your best decisions.

Session Time Limits and Reality Checks

What it does: Alerts you when you have been playing for a specified amount of time. Some casinos will display a pop-up notification; others will automatically log you out of the session.

How to set it up:

1. In the Responsible Gambling section, look for "Session Timer", "Reality Check", or "Time Limit"
2. Choose how frequently you want to be reminded (commonly every 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours)
3. Some casinos also show your session duration and net win/loss in the notification, which helps you make an informed decision about whether to continue

Why it matters: It is remarkably easy to lose track of time while gambling online. Research shows that time distortion is a significant factor in overspending, and regular reality checks help counteract this.

Cool-Off Periods (Temporary Breaks)

What it does: Temporarily blocks you from accessing your casino account for a set period, typically 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. During a cool-off period, you cannot log in, deposit, or place bets.

How to set it up:

1. Navigate to the Responsible Gambling section of your account
2. Select "Cool-Off Period", "Take a Break", or "Time Out"
3. Choose the duration of your break
4. The block will take effect immediately and cannot be reversed until the chosen period ends

When to use it: If you are feeling stressed, emotional, or tempted to chase losses, a cool-off period gives you space to step back and regain perspective. You do not need to be in crisis to take a break.

Self-Exclusion

What it does: Permanently or long-term blocks you from a specific casino. Your account is closed, any remaining balance is returned to you, and the casino must not send you marketing material or allow you to create a new account.

How to set it up:

1. Contact the casino's customer support team or use the self-exclusion option in the Responsible Gambling section
2. Choose your exclusion period (often 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or permanent)
3. The casino will close your account and any pending bets will be settled according to their terms

Note: Self-exclusion at one casino does not automatically exclude you from others. For comprehensive protection across all licensed Australian wagering services, use BetStop (detailed below).

BetStop: Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register

BetStop is the Australian Government's National Self-Exclusion Register. It is a free service that allows any person to exclude themselves from all licensed Australian wagering operators in a single step. BetStop is administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

What Is BetStop?

Before BetStop, a person who wanted to self-exclude had to contact each gambling operator individually, which was time-consuming and often incomplete. BetStop solves this by providing a single, centralised register. When you register with BetStop, every licensed Australian wagering operator is notified and required by law to:

• Close any existing accounts you hold with them
• Refuse to open new accounts in your name
• Stop sending you any direct marketing material
• Take reasonable steps to prevent you from gambling with them

How to Register with BetStop

1. Visit the BetStop website: Go to betstop.gov.au
2. Verify your identity: You will need to provide personal details including your full name, date of birth, and address. Identity verification may use your myGov ID or other government-issued identification
3. Choose your exclusion period: You can choose from 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or a lifetime exclusion
4. Confirm your registration: Once submitted, BetStop will notify all licensed operators. The process is designed to be as quick and straightforward as possible
5. Receive confirmation: You will receive confirmation that your registration is active

What Happens After You Register

• All licensed Australian wagering operators will be notified of your self-exclusion
• Your existing accounts with these operators will be closed
• You will no longer receive marketing communications from these operators
• If you attempt to open a new account or place a bet, the operator is legally required to refuse
• BetStop covers all licensed Australian operators, including online bookmakers, totalisators, and sports betting platforms

What BetStop Does Not Cover

It is important to understand the limitations of BetStop:

• Offshore gambling websites: BetStop only covers operators licensed in Australia. Offshore casinos operating without an Australian licence are not part of the register
• Land-based venues: Pokies venues, casinos, and TAB agencies are covered by separate state and territory self-exclusion programs (see the state-specific services in our support directory below)
• Lotteries: Some lottery products may not be covered. Check with your state or territory lottery provider

How to Reverse a BetStop Exclusion

• Fixed-term exclusions (3, 6, or 12 months): Your exclusion will end automatically when the chosen period expires. You do not need to take any action. However, you may want to consider whether returning to gambling is the right choice for you before your exclusion ends
• Lifetime exclusions: You may apply to revoke a lifetime exclusion after a minimum of 12 months has passed. The revocation process includes a mandatory cooling-off period and may involve engagement with a counselling service. This is designed to ensure the decision to return to gambling is carefully considered
• Extending your exclusion: You can extend your exclusion period at any time by contacting BetStop

ACMA's Role in Player Protection

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the federal government body responsible for regulating and enforcing Australia's gambling laws, particularly the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). The ACMA plays a critical role in protecting Australian consumers from gambling harm.

Key Responsibilities

• Blocking illegal gambling websites: The ACMA has the power to direct Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block websites that illegally offer gambling services to Australians. Since 2019, the ACMA has blocked over 1,296 illegal gambling websites and caused more than 220 illegal operators to voluntarily withdraw from the Australian market
• Administering BetStop: The ACMA oversees the operation of the National Self-Exclusion Register, ensuring that licensed operators comply with their legal obligations to exclude registered individuals
• Investigating complaints: The ACMA investigates reports of illegal gambling services, non-compliant advertising, and breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act. Members of the public can submit complaints through the ACMA website
• Enforcing advertising rules: Gambling advertising in Australia is subject to strict rules, including restrictions on advertising during live sport broadcasts, bans on inducements to open accounts, and requirements for responsible gambling messaging. The ACMA enforces these rules and takes action against operators who breach them
• Collaborating with international regulators: The ACMA works with overseas regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies to disrupt illegal gambling operations that target Australians from offshore jurisdictions

How to Report an Illegal Gambling Service

If you believe a gambling website or app is operating illegally in Australia, you can report it to the ACMA. Your report helps protect other Australians from potentially harmful and unregulated gambling services. Reports can be submitted through the ACMA's official website at acma.gov.au.

Recent Regulatory Developments

The Australian Government continues to strengthen its approach to gambling regulation. Recent and upcoming changes include:

• The national credit card ban for gambling transactions (effective June 2024)
• The launch and ongoing expansion of BetStop
• Increased ACMA enforcement activity, with record numbers of illegal sites blocked
• Ongoing parliamentary inquiries into gambling advertising reform and potential further restrictions on inducements
• Proposed reforms to online gambling harm reduction that may take effect in 2027

Gambling Support Services Directory

Australia has a comprehensive network of free, professional support services for anyone affected by gambling. Whether you are a person who gambles, a family member, a friend, or a colleague, these services are here to help. All services listed below are free and confidential.

National Services

State and Territory Services

Each Australian state and territory also operates its own dedicated gambling support services, often including in-person counselling, venue-based self-exclusion programs, and community education:

Tips for Keeping Gambling Fun

Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment when approached with the right mindset and boundaries. The key is to treat it as a leisure activity with a cost, much like going to the cinema or eating out, rather than as a way to make money. Here are practical strategies for keeping your gambling safe and enjoyable.

Set a Budget Before You Start

Before you open a gambling app or visit a casino, decide on the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend and accept that this money may be lost entirely. This is your entertainment budget. Once it is gone, your session is over. A helpful approach is to separate your gambling money from your everyday spending by using a dedicated account or prepaid method like Neosurf.

Set a Time Limit

Decide in advance how long your gambling session will last and set a timer on your phone or use the casino's session timer feature. When the timer goes off, stop, regardless of whether you are up or down. Gambling for extended periods leads to fatigue, poor decision-making, and overspending.

Never Chase Losses

This is the single most important rule in responsible gambling. When you lose money, it is gone. The odds of the next bet are exactly the same as the last one. Gambling more to try to win back losses almost always leads to bigger losses. If you hit your budget limit, walk away. There will always be another day.

Do Not Gamble Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair judgement, lower inhibitions, and make it harder to stick to your pre-set limits. If you are drinking, put the gambling aside. Many people who experience gambling harm report that their worst decisions were made while under the influence.

Take Regular Breaks

Step away from the screen regularly. Get a drink of water, go for a walk, or do something completely unrelated for at least 15 minutes every hour. Breaks help you maintain perspective and make conscious decisions about whether to continue playing.

Keep Gambling Separate from Other Activities

Do not gamble while you are at work, caring for children, attending social events, or dealing with emotional stress. Gambling should be a deliberate, focused activity that you choose to do during your free time, not something that happens in the background of your daily life.

Understand the Odds

Every gambling product has a built-in advantage for the operator, known as the house edge. Over time, the house always wins. Understanding this mathematical reality helps frame gambling as entertainment with a cost, not an investment or income source. There is no system, strategy, or lucky streak that changes the fundamental odds.

Celebrate Wins Wisely

When you win, withdraw some or all of the winnings. Do not reinvest every win back into more gambling. Setting a "win limit" alongside your loss limit can help. For example, decide that if your balance doubles, you will cash out at least half.

Do Not Borrow Money to Gamble

Never use credit cards, loans, payday lenders, or money borrowed from family and friends to fund gambling. If you need to borrow money to gamble, it is a clear sign that your gambling has moved beyond entertainment.

Keep a Gambling Diary

Recording your gambling sessions, including the date, time spent, amount wagered, and outcome, provides an honest picture of your gambling habits. Many people are surprised by the totals when they see them written down. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for staying in control.

How to Help Someone with a Gambling Problem

Watching someone you care about struggle with gambling can be deeply painful and frustrating. You may feel helpless, angry, betrayed, or afraid. It is important to know that you are not alone, and that there are effective ways to support someone while also protecting your own wellbeing.

Recognising the Problem

People with gambling problems often go to great lengths to hide their behaviour. You may notice financial warning signs (unexplained debt, missing money, unpaid bills), behavioural changes (secrecy, mood swings, withdrawal from activities), or relationship strain before the person themselves acknowledges there is a problem. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it may well be.

Starting the Conversation

• Choose the right time and place: Find a private, calm moment when neither of you is stressed, rushed, or under the influence of alcohol. Avoid raising the topic during or immediately after an argument
• Use "I" statements: Say "I am worried about you" or "I have noticed some changes that concern me" rather than "You have a problem" or "You need to stop." This reduces defensiveness
• Be specific about what you have observed: Instead of general accusations, describe concrete behaviours. "I noticed the electricity bill was not paid this month" or "You seem very distracted and stressed lately"
• Express care, not judgement: Make it clear that you are raising the issue because you care about the person, not because you want to control them or make them feel bad
• Be prepared for denial: The person may react with anger, denial, or deflection. This is common and does not mean the conversation was wasted. Seeds are planted even when they do not immediately sprout
• Offer support, not ultimatums: Let them know you are there to help and that professional support is available. Provide the Gambling Helpline number (1800 858 858) or suggest they visit Gambling Help Online

What Not to Do

• Do not bail them out financially: Paying off gambling debts or lending money, while well-intentioned, often enables the behaviour to continue. The person needs to experience the consequences of their gambling as a motivation for change
• Do not cover for them: Making excuses to their employer, lying to family members, or hiding the extent of the problem prevents the person from confronting reality
• Do not try to control their gambling: You cannot force someone to stop gambling. Recovery must come from their own decision. What you can control is your own boundaries and responses
• Do not blame yourself: You did not cause this person's gambling problem, and it is not your responsibility to fix it. You can support, but you cannot control

Protecting Yourself

• Seek your own support: The Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) and Gambling Help Online are also available for family members and friends of people with gambling problems. You do not need to be the person gambling to access help
• Protect your finances: If you share finances with a person who has a gambling problem, consider separating your accounts, removing their access to joint credit facilities, and securing your own savings
• Set boundaries: Decide what you are and are not willing to accept, and communicate these boundaries clearly. Boundaries are about protecting yourself, not punishing the other person
• Look after your mental health: Living with or caring about someone with a gambling problem takes an emotional toll. Prioritise your own wellbeing through exercise, social connection, therapy, and self-care

Support Services for Family and Friends

You do not have to navigate this alone. The following services specifically support people affected by someone else's gambling:

• Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 (for family and friends too)
• Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au (live chat counselling for affected others)
• Gam-Anon: A support group specifically for the family and friends of people with gambling problems, based on the 12-step model
• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 (relationship counselling that can address gambling-related strain)

Youth Gambling Prevention

Young people are increasingly exposed to gambling through advertising, social media, in-game purchases, and the blurring of boundaries between gaming and gambling. Protecting young Australians from gambling harm is a shared responsibility of families, communities, educators, and regulators.

Why Young People Are Vulnerable

• Brain development: The parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, risk assessment, and long-term decision-making are not fully developed until the mid-twenties. This makes young people more susceptible to the immediate excitement of gambling and less able to appreciate long-term consequences
• Advertising exposure: Australian young people are exposed to gambling advertising at high rates, particularly through televised sport, social media, and influencer marketing. Research shows this normalises gambling and increases the likelihood of young people gambling when they reach legal age
• Gaming and gambling overlap: Features in video games such as loot boxes, skin trading, and in-game currency purchases mirror gambling mechanics. Young people who engage with these features may be primed to transition to real-money gambling
• Social pressure: Gambling can be perceived as a social activity, particularly sports betting among young men. Peer influence and the desire to fit in can drive early gambling behaviour
• Easy access: Mobile phones and the internet make gambling accessible from anywhere at any time. Age verification systems are not always effective at preventing underage access

What Parents and Carers Can Do

• Talk about gambling early: Open, honest conversations about gambling, including how it works, the odds, and the risks, are more effective than simply saying "do not do it." Help young people develop critical thinking about gambling products and marketing
• Be aware of in-game purchases: Monitor what your children are spending money on in video games. Loot boxes and other randomised purchase mechanics function similarly to gambling and can establish problematic spending patterns
• Model healthy behaviour: Children learn from what they observe. If you gamble, demonstrate responsible practices including setting limits, being honest about losses, and treating gambling as entertainment rather than income
• Set parental controls: Use device-level parental controls to restrict access to gambling apps and websites. Most smartphones and tablets have built-in tools for this purpose
• Watch for warning signs: Unexplained spending, secrecy around phone or computer use, mood changes, and a preoccupation with gambling-related content (odds, tips, betting stories) can all indicate early gambling engagement

The Legal Position

In Australia, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble. This applies to all forms of gambling including online, in venues, and through lottery products. Licensed operators are required to implement age verification procedures, and it is an offence to allow a minor to gamble. Despite these laws, studies indicate that a significant number of young Australians have gambled before reaching legal age, highlighting the importance of education and prevention alongside regulation.

Resources for Educators

Schools and youth organisations play an important role in gambling prevention. The following programs and resources are available for Australian educators:

• Gambling Education Toolkit (Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation): Free classroom resources for secondary school teachers
• Don't Bet On It (Gambling Help Online): Age-appropriate information and activities about gambling for young people
• eSafety Commissioner: Resources on the overlap between gaming and gambling for parents and educators at esafety.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions About Responsible Gambling