Playing Responsibly

Gambling can be entertaining when it remains within your control, but for some people it becomes a source of harm. This page addresses warning signs of problem gambling, explains the tools available to help you manage your activity, and points toward professional support services in Australia.

When Gambling Stops Being Fun

Problem gambling often develops gradually, and recognising the shift from leisure to harmful behaviour is the first step toward regaining control. If you find yourself spending more money than planned, hiding your gambling from loved ones, chasing losses, or gambling to escape stress or sadness, these are clear signals that something has changed. Borrowing money to gamble, neglecting work or family obligations, or feeling restless when unable to gamble are further warning signs. Not everyone experiences all of these, but any consistent pattern warrants honest reflection and action.

Managing Your Play Through Self-Limits

Most operators offer built-in tools designed to help you maintain control. Deposit limits set a cap on how much money you can transfer in a specified period—daily, weekly, or monthly. Loss limits restrict the amount you can lose. Time-out features allow you to pause your account for a set period without closing it permanently, giving you breathing room to reassess. Self-exclusion is a formal commitment: once you activate it, the operator prevents your access to your account for months or years. These tools are most effective when used proactively, before problems escalate. If you’re unsure how to set them at an operator’s site, contact their support team through the forms or chat options available there.

Professional Help and Support Services

Australia provides free, confidential support through established services. The National Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858 operates 24 hours every day and connects you with trained counsellors who can discuss your situation confidentially. If you’re under 25, the Gambler’s Help Youthline at 1800 262 376 offers peer-informed advice. For those dealing with financial harm, the National Debt Helpline at 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm) provides access to qualified financial counsellors. Online support is available through Gambling Help Online, which provides live chat, email assistance, and self-help resources without requiring a phone call. These services are free and staffed by specialists in problem gambling.

This page is reviewed annually to ensure the telephone numbers and support services listed remain current and accurate.