Are you thinking about banning yourself from places you can gamble?
When you’re in or near a place in which you can gamble, like clubs, pubs, TABs or casinos, it can trigger an urge to gamble, which can be difficult to resist.
If you find yourself struggling with these urges, self-exclusion may be a useful option. Self-exclusion is when you ban yourself from places you can gamble.
Self-exclusion can be an empowering tool for regaining control over your gambling. By staying away from places you can gamble for a while, you can create a safe space to recover and focus on other areas of your life without the constant temptation to gamble.
Is your friend or family member thinking about banning themselves from places they can gamble?
When people who are struggling with their gambling are in or near a place in which they can gamble, like clubs, pubs, TABs or casinos, it can trigger an urge to gamble, which can be difficult to resist.
If your family member or friend finds themselves struggling with these urges, you could encourage them to consider self-exclusion as an option. Self-exclusion involves them banning themselves from places they can gamble.
Self-exclusion can be an empowering tool to help your family member or friend regain control over their gambling. By staying away from places they can gamble for a while, they can create a safe space to recover and focus on other areas of their life without the constant temptation to gamble.
Is someone thinking about banning themselves from places they can gamble?
As a professional, you may be working with someone who is struggling with their gambling. It’s important to understand that being in or near certain places, such as clubs, pubs, TABs or casinos, can trigger an urge to gamble, which can be difficult to resist.
If you notice them struggling with these urges, you could encourage them to consider self-exclusion as an option. Self-exclusion involves them banning themselves from places they can gamble.
Self-exclusion can be an empowering tool to help people regain control over their gambling. By staying away from places they can gamble for a while, they can create a safe space to recover and focus on other areas of their life without the constant temptation to gamble. It can be an important step towards their recovery.
What is self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion involves voluntarily registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from going to certain places where people can gamble, like clubs, pubs, TABs or casinos. By law, all Australian gambling providers must give customers the option to self-exclude if they want to. When people sign up for a self-exclusion program, there is usually a minimum period of time that they have to agree to.
Self-exclusion from online gambling service providers is also available – see Online Self-Exclusion.
What are the benefits of self-exclusion from venues?
Self-exclusion from gambling venues can be an important tool for people looking to change their gambling. It can provide them with immediate control over their gambling, particularly when they first decide to cut down or quit. It can give them the time they need to develop more long-term strategies to manage their gambling, or it can be the first step in seeking additional help, such as gambling counselling or financial counselling.
Self-exclusion can help people who want to cut down, take a break, or stop altogether. People who choose self-exclusion can ban themselves from gambling venues near their homes, workplaces, and other places they frequently visit, as well as the routes they usually take between these places. Others might choose to ban themselves from the venues they usually go to the most, so it’s not as easy for them to gamble.
How does self-exclusion from venues work?
In Australia, there are different self-exclusion programs in different states and territories, but they all work in a similar way. If someone wants to self-exclude, they usually have to sign an agreement that lists which venues they want to be banned from for a certain amount of time. Depending on the venue, they might be excluded from the whole venue, gaming areas, or certain gambling activities. They might still be allowed to go to other parts of the venue, like bistros or dining areas. The agreement usually gives the venue managers the right to take action to remove the person from the restricted areas if they try to enter them during the exclusion period.
If someone signs a self-exclusion agreement, it's supported by the law, and breaking the agreement can lead to penalties, usually for the venue. To make sure they don't accidentally let someone in who's excluded, some venues might ask for a photo or a driver's license. Only the staff who need to know will be able to see this information. Once the agreed-upon exclusion period is over, the person can decide whether to self-exclude again for another period, or apply to be allowed back into the venues.
People don't need to physically go to a venue to self-exclude. The process of self-exclusion is quick, simple, and doesn't cost anything. The staff at the venues are trained to assist customers who might be struggling with their gambling.
Do you want more help?
For more information on excluding yourself from gambling venues in each state or territory, visit your state or territory page.
To learn more about self-exclusion from gambling venues, you can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends.
Do you want more help?
For more information on how your family member or friend can exclude themselves from gambling venues in each state or territory, visit their state or territory page.
To learn more about self-exclusion from gambling venues, you or your family member or friend can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends like you. It’s not only the person who gambles that can be affected, but the people close to them too. It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re supporting someone else. Check out the family and friends section in our peer support community to connect with people who understand.
Do you want more help?
For more information on how people can exclude themselves from gambling venues in each state or territory, visit their state or territory page.
To learn more about self-exclusion from gambling venues, you or the person you’re working with can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members, friends, and professionals like you. It can be hard for professionals to support people with gambling issues. To learn more about how you can help, go to our section on How Professionals Can Help.
