Responsible Gambling in Australia: Free Help & 8 Warning Signs
Gambling should remain an enjoyable pastime. If it starts causing stress, money or relationship problems, free support is available in Australia 24 hours a day.
National Gambling Helpline - free, 24/7
Chat online - gamblinghelponline.org.au
Self-exclude nationally via BetStop
Block gambling apps with Gamban
Gambling can cause financial and emotional harm.
Do Any of These Apply to You?
These 8 indicators are based on signs that Australian gambling help services use to identify potential gambling problems. Click any that apply to you in the past 12 months - the result updates below.
Take Back Control
All licensed wagering operators in Australia are required to provide these tools. Use them before you need to - they are most effective as a preventive measure.
Deposit Limits
Set a deposit limit to cap how much you can add to your account each day, week, or month. Licensed Australian operators must apply your limit immediately and cannot encourage you to raise it.
Time Limits
Set a time limit for your gambling sessions. Most operators also provide reality checks while you play to remind you of your limit.
BetStop Self-Exclusion
Register once to block yourself from all licensed interactive wagering services in Australia, including sports betting, racing, and online lottery. Choose 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or permanently.
Blocking Software
Gamban blocks gambling websites and apps on your device at the device level. Unlike BetStop, it works outside the Australian licensing system and can block international gambling sites.
BetStop: One Registration, Every Licensed Australian Operator
BetStop is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register, managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Registering means every licensed interactive wagering service in Australia - sports betting, racing, and online lottery - is legally required to block your accounts. You do not need to contact each operator individually.
Register with BetStop
Australian Help Services
All services listed here are free to use. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out - early conversations tend to be the most effective.
Gambling Help Online
Australia's primary gambling help service, available around the clock. Offers free phone counselling, live chat, and self-help tools. Run by state and territory gambling help agencies.
1800 858 858
Gamblers Anonymous
A 12-step support program for managing gambling problems, with regular meetings in cities and regional areas across Australia. Connects you with people who have experienced problem gambling first-hand.
Gamban
Gamban blocks gambling websites on your device at the operating system level. It is separate from BetStop and can block gambling apps on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Amazon devices - including unlicensed international sites.
Lifeline Australia
A free 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention service. If gambling-related stress is pushing you to a very dark place, please reach out. Trained counsellors are available around the clock.
Beyond Blue
Free counselling for those experiencing gambling alongside mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Available via phone, live chat, email, and an online community forum.
National Debt Helpline
Free financial counselling for Australians dealing with debt from gambling losses. These specialists can help you create a plan to stabilise your finances.
6 Safer Gambling Habits
These techniques will not guarantee wins. They can help reduce the impact of gambling on your finances, health, and relationships.
Set a hard budget before you start
Decide the maximum you are willing to lose before you open the app. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost - not money you expect to recover.
Use a session time limit
Set an alarm on your phone for when you plan to stop. Stop when it goes off - whether you are up or down. Time limits are more effective than money limits alone.
Never chase losses
Chasing losses is the most common reason recreational gamblers develop problems. Each bet is independent - previous results have no effect on what comes next.
Never gamble on credit
Using credit cards, buy now pay later services, or personal loans to fund gambling turns a loss into compounding debt. Only gamble with money you already have.
Plan regular gambling-free periods
Plan gambling-free days or weeks in advance. This helps you avoid gambling as a habit and makes it easier to stop when you want to.
Talk to someone you trust
Gambling problems usually develop in secrecy. Telling someone you trust - or calling 1800 858 858 - is the first step. Counsellors are trained to help without judgment.
Support by State & Territory
Each state and territory in Australia has its own gambling help service. Calling the national number (1800 858 858) automatically connects you to your local service.
New South Wales
Gambling Help NSW
1800 858 858
Victoria
Gambler's Help
1800 858 858
Queensland
Gambling Help Qld
1800 858 858
Western Australia
Gambling Help WA
1800 858 858
South Australia
Gambling Help SA
1800 858 858
Tasmania
Relationships Australia TAS
1800 858 858
ACT
Gambling Support ACT
1800 858 858
Northern Territory
Territory Families
1800 858 858
Frequently Asked Questions
Sports betting and racing wagering with licensed operators in Australia is legal. These operators are licensed by state and territory gambling authorities and must comply with the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, it is illegal for companies to offer online casino games to Australian residents. Australians who choose to access international casino sites do so in a legal grey area - the Act targets operators, not individual players.
BetStop is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register, managed by the ACMA. Once registered, all licensed interactive wagering services are legally required to block your accounts. You cannot open new accounts or use existing ones while registered.
Choose how long you want to be blocked - 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or permanently. Once registered, operators are required by law to close or suspend your accounts. Any winnings earned while on BetStop must be withheld by the operator.
BetStop is a legal register that requires licensed Australian operators to refuse your bets. Gamban is software installed on your device that blocks gambling apps and websites regardless of where the operator is based.
Many people use both together. BetStop stops you from using licensed Australian operators, while Gamban blocks gambling apps on your device - including international sites outside Australian regulation.
Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) supports not only the person gambling but also their family members and partners. You can call on their behalf or to talk through the situation and get guidance.
Gamblers Anonymous runs Gam-Anon meetings specifically for the families of people with gambling problems. You can find a meeting near you through the Gamblers Anonymous website.
This can only be answered by a counsellor who understands your history with gambling. For some people, complete abstinence is the best path. For others, continuing to gamble with strict controls may be sustainable.
Calling Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) for a confidential chat before returning to gambling is the best way to make an informed decision with professional support.