Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every bet has the potential to result in a loss, and past results do not predict future outcomes. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential costs, savings commitments and other financial responsibilities have been covered.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat this amount as an entertainment expense rather than an investment. Once your budget or time limit has been reached, stop playing, even if you are winning or believe a win may be close. Avoid changing your limits during a session because of excitement, frustration or the hope of recovering losses.

Healthy gambling habits

• Set a spending limit and a time limit before you start.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, transport, education or other essentials.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when you are tired, upset, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to gamble.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your bets or continuing for longer than planned.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are based on chance or the relevant game rules, not skill alone.
• Keep gambling private and balanced with work, study, family, friends, exercise and other interests.
• Never allow another person to use your account or share your account details.

If gambling stops feeling like a choice and starts feeling difficult to control, take action early. Speaking with someone you trust can make it easier to review your habits and decide what support may be useful.

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income or previous experience. It may develop gradually, and a person may not notice the impact until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, work, study, health or wellbeing. Recognising the signs early can help you take steps before the situation becomes more serious.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to cut back or stop but finding that you cannot.
• Chasing losses or believing that a large win will solve financial problems.
• Gambling with money intended for bills, household expenses or other commitments.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling possessions to continue gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or distressed when you try to stop.
• Thinking about gambling for much of the day or allowing it to interfere with work, study or relationships.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Experiencing financial, legal, relationship or health problems connected with gambling.

One or more of these signs may be a reason to pause and seek advice. You do not need to wait for a crisis or prove that the problem is severe before asking for help. A confidential conversation with a qualified gambling support service, counsellor, financial counsellor, doctor or trusted person can be a useful first step.

Where to find support in Australia

Support is available through gambling help services in your state or territory, national gambling counselling resources, community health services and qualified mental health professionals. These services can help with practical planning, managing urges, financial concerns, family impacts and recovery options. Search for an Australian gambling support service through a trusted government or health organisation, or speak with your doctor about suitable referrals.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, harm to another person or an immediate safety concern, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance through local emergency or crisis support services. Your immediate safety comes first.