18+ · Gamble responsibly · Support: Gambling Help Online
Player Support

Responsible Gambling

Pokies are entertainment. If they start to feel like something else — a chase, an obligation, a way to make money — that's a signal to slow down and reach out. Australian support services are free and confidential.

Recognising warning signs

Everyone's relationship with gambling is different, but a handful of patterns show up consistently when things are shifting from recreation to problem:

  • Spending more time or money than you planned, repeatedly
  • Trying to win back losses by betting bigger
  • Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
  • Borrowing money to gamble, or using bill money
  • Feeling irritable or restless when not gambling
  • Gambling to escape stress, anxiety or depression
  • Neglecting work, sleep, meals or relationships

None of these individually mean you have a problem. Several of them together, especially if the pattern is getting stronger over time, are worth taking seriously.

Tools you can use today

Every operator we recommend supports these tools inside your account settings. Turn them on before you feel you need them.

  • Deposit limits — cap your daily, weekly or monthly deposit amount
  • Loss limits — cap your net losses over a defined period
  • Session reminders — periodic popups showing how long you've been playing
  • Time-outs — voluntary short lockouts (24 hours, 7 days, 30 days)
  • Self-exclusion — long-term account closure with a mandatory cooling-off period

BetStop — Australia's national self-exclusion register

BetStop is Australia's national self-exclusion service, run by ACMA. Registering blocks you from every Australian-licensed wagering service for a period you choose (three months to lifetime). It takes about ten minutes to register and requires standard ID verification. BetStop technically covers Australian-licensed operators, but most reputable offshore operators will honour a BetStop registration on request.

Free support services in Australia

If someone you know is struggling

You don't have to solve it yourself. The services above accept calls from friends and family members too, and they'll help you work out how to approach the conversation. Financial counsellors at the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can also help unwind any debt-related pressure that's making the situation harder.

Age restrictions

Online gambling in Australia is strictly 18+. Every operator we recommend enforces age verification during KYC. If you believe a minor is accessing gambling content, contact the operator's support team directly.