What Responsible Gambling Means
Responsible gambling means treating gambling as paid entertainment, with money you can afford to lose, for a length of time you have decided in advance. It means staying in control of when, how much and how often you play.
It also means being realistic about how pokies work:
- Every spin is random and independent of the last. A machine is never "due" to pay. Our Slot RNG Explained guide explains why.
- The house edge means the game is designed to keep a share of all money wagered over time. Our guide to RTP shows how this works.
- No strategy, system or pattern can change the outcome of a spin. Our Pokies Myths Explained guide covers the most common misconceptions.
- Wins in the short term are possible, but they do not change the long-term maths.
Tips for Gambling More Safely
- Set a budget before you start and only use money set aside for entertainment, never money needed for rent, bills or food.
- Set a time limit and use an alarm or reminder. Pokies are fast, and time passes quickly.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win back money you have lost usually leads to losing more.
- Do not gamble to escape stress, boredom, loneliness or low mood.
- Avoid gambling after drinking alcohol, as it makes it harder to stick to your limits.
- Take regular breaks and step away from the screen or machine.
- Treat any win as a bonus, not as money to gamble again.
- Balance gambling with other activities you enjoy.
Our guide on how to set gambling limits explains how to build these habits in more detail.
Tools That Can Help You Stay in Control
Deposit, Loss and Time Limits
Many gambling operators let you set limits on how much you can deposit or lose and how long you can play over a day, week or month. Set these limits when you open an account, before you start playing, and choose amounts you can comfortably afford.
Reality Checks and Activity Statements
Reality checks are on-screen reminders that show how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. Activity statements show your deposits, wins and losses over time. Reviewing them regularly gives you an honest picture of your gambling.
Time-Outs and Self-Exclusion
A time-out lets you block your account for a short period, such as a day, a week or a month. Self-exclusion is a longer block, usually for six months or more, and is designed for people who want to stop gambling with an operator altogether.
BetStop: the National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is the Australian Government's free National Self-Exclusion Register. Registering blocks you from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers for a period you choose, from three months up to permanently. It applies to licensed Australian wagering services. It does not cover gaming machines in pubs, clubs and casinos, which have separate self-exclusion programs run in each state and territory.
Venue Self-Exclusion
If you play pokies in pubs, clubs or casinos, you can ask to be excluded from specific venues. Programs differ between states and territories, and Gambling Help Online can direct you to the right service where you live.
Bank and Payment Blocks
Many Australian banks let customers block gambling transactions on their debit cards through their banking app or by contacting the bank. Since 11 June 2024, licensed online wagering providers in Australia have also been banned from accepting payments by credit card or digital currency, including cryptocurrency.
Blocking Software
Free and paid software is available to block access to gambling websites and apps on your phone, tablet and computer. These tools are most effective when combined with other measures, such as self-exclusion and bank blocks.
Warning Signs of Gambling Harm
Gambling harm can develop gradually. Some signs that gambling may be becoming a problem include:
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you planned
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same feeling
- Chasing losses or gambling to win back money
- Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills because of gambling
- Hiding or lying about how much you gamble
- Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to cut down
- Gambling to escape problems or difficult feelings
- Arguments with family or friends about gambling
- Gambling affecting your work, study, sleep or health
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth talking to someone. Our guide to recognising gambling harm explains the signs in more detail, and Gambling Help Online offers a free self-assessment.
Where to Get Help in Australia
All of the services below are free and confidential.
Gambling Help Online
Call 1800 858 858, any time of day or night, or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for live chat, email support, self-help tools and links to local face-to-face counselling.
National Debt Helpline
If gambling has left you with debts or money problems, call 1800 007 007 or visit the National Debt Helpline to speak with a free financial counsellor.
Lifeline
If you are in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous Australia runs peer support meetings for people who want to stop gambling.
Emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
Supporting Someone Affected by Gambling
Gambling harm affects family members, partners and friends as well as the person who gambles. If you are worried about someone:
- Talk to them calmly at a time when they are not gambling, and focus on how their gambling affects you rather than blaming them.
- Avoid lending money or paying off gambling debts, as this can make the problem harder to address.
- Protect your own finances, for example by keeping separate accounts.
- Look after your own wellbeing. Gambling Help Online supports family members and friends as well as people who gamble.
Gambling and Young People
Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over. Our content is written for adults and is never aimed at minors. If you share a device with children, use parental controls and blocking software to restrict access to gambling websites and apps. Young people affected by a family member's gambling can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Our Commitment
We are an information website, not a gambling operator. We include responsible gambling guidance throughout our content, never suggest that any strategy can guarantee a win, and assess the player protection tools of every casino we review. You can read more in our Editorial Policy and How We Review pages.