Enjoying casino entertainment should never come at the cost of financial stability or personal wellbeing. We encourage everyone to approach any form of gambling with awareness and clear boundaries. If you’re concerned about your own behaviour or that of someone close to you, the resources and tools in Australia exist to help.
What problem gambling looks like
Problem gambling often creeps up gradually. Warning signs include spending more money than you intended or can afford, chasing losses by betting more to recover what you’ve lost, gambling when stressed or upset, feeling anxious when not gambling, or neglecting responsibilities and relationships. If gambling is starting to affect your work, finances, or relationships, it’s time to take action.
Tools to stay in control
Most operators offer deposit limits—hard caps on how much you can deposit within a set period. Daily limits typically range from A$50 to A$5,000, while weekly limits go up to A$20,000. You can also request a time-out from your account, temporarily suspending access without permanently closing it. For stronger protection, Australia’s national register allows you to self-exclude from all licensed online wagering providers simultaneously for a period you choose, from three months onwards, including permanent exclusion.
Australia’s support system
Australia’s gambling landscape is monitored at the federal level to ensure consumer protections. Each state also has its own support infrastructure. Free, professional counselling and resources are available nationwide, accessible around the clock through trained advisors who can discuss your concerns in confidence and help you plan your next steps.
Getting help when you need it
Reaching out is often the hardest step, but support is closer than you might think. You can access free counselling and practical advice 24 hours a day by calling the dedicated national helpline. Support includes one-on-one conversations with a trained counsellor, online chat if that feels more comfortable, SMS reminders to help you stay on track, and local face-to-face counselling in many areas. Family members and friends concerned about someone else’s gambling can also get guidance. Multilingual support is available—simply ask when you call, and an interpreter can be arranged.
Take control of your money
Set a budget for entertainment spending before you gamble—treat it like any other expense. Only use funds you can genuinely afford to lose. Don’t use credit cards, as cash or debit payments create a clearer psychological barrier. Keep a record of your activity to stay aware of your habits. Consider using time limits alongside deposit limits to cap both how much and how long you play.
When to pause
If you find yourself thinking about gambling frequently, borrowing money to fund it, or lying to others about how much you gamble, pause and seek support immediately. There’s no judgment in reaching out—thousands of Australians do each year, and help is free and confidential.