Managing your relationship with online gambling
Gambling can affect your health and wellbeing, as well as the people around you.
It’s important to recognise the signs of gambling harm so you can get the support you need.
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More help is available if you need to speak to an emergency contact, prefer a First Nations support, or need help in languages other than English.
What is gambling harm?
Gambling harm isn’t just about losing money. It can affect your self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life.
It’s important to know that harm from gambling not only affects you, it can also affect your family and friends, as well as your workplace and wider community.
Some signs of gambling harm include:
- feelings of guilt or regret
- having less time or money to spend on other things you enjoy
- reduced savings or financial difficulties
- increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
- relationship conflict
- reduced work or study performance
- anger
- feelings of shame or hopelessness.
Find out more about the signs of gambling harm.
Support is available
If your gambling habits are affecting you, there are many options available to help you make changes. BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ and deposit limits are two good options, introduced as part of the National Consumer Protection Framework.
All online gambling providers must give you the option of setting a deposit limit to help you easily track, manage and budget your gambling.
A deposit limit is a limit on the amount of money you can put into your online gambling account. It can be a certain amount of money per day, week or month. Once you reach that limit, you won’t be able to put any more money for that period into your online gambling account.
Some gambling providers also allow you to set a fortnightly or yearly limit, or other types of limits, such as bet amount, frequency, or loss; amongst others.
You can set a deposit limit with an online gambling provider when you open an account or log in to an existing account.
You may be able to set your limit under the ‘My Account’ section or the ‘Responsible Gambling’ or ‘Player Protection’ section of your account.
If you can’t easily find out how to set a deposit limit on your account, start an online chat with us, or contact your gambling providers ‘Responsible Gambling Team’.
The gambling calculator can help you decide on the deposit limit you would like to set.
If you choose to lower your deposit limit, it will happen immediately.
If you want to increase your deposit limit amount, there is a cooling off period of 7 days before it takes effect. This means you won’t be able to increase your limit on the spot.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ is a free service that allows you to self-exclude from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers in a single process.
You can self-exclude for a minimum of 3 months, up to a lifetime.
Wagering providers are able to check their customer details against the register.
If you have registered and your details match, the wagering provider is advised that you have self-excluded.
If you are self-excluded, the wagering provider must not:
- open a wagering account for you
- allow you to place bets
- send you marketing material.
Registering with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register™, is quick and easy and can be done at www.betstop.gov.au.
All you need to register is a mobile phone number, email address and an Australian driver’s licence or a Medicare card.
Registration takes about 5 minutes, and you’ll be added to the register shortly afterwards.
If you need any assistance, or want to use an identity document other than a driver’s licence or Medicare card, please call 1800 238 786.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ covers all licenced Australian online and phone wagering providers. A list of the providers that are covered is on the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s website.
You can still exclude yourself from physical gambling venues depending on the program available in your state or territory. For more information, see venue self-exclusion.
For more information, visit the BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ website.
More options are available to help you limit the harm gambling can cause you.
Free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A counsellor is an independent person who can provide support and create a plan to help you or your loved one. Speak to someone today.
Financial counselling is a free and confidential service that can help anyone affected by gambling, including friends and family members. They understand the financial issues people might face and can help them improve their situation.
Our Gambling Calculator can give you a better picture of how gambling affects your life and provide insight on its impact.
Our quick and easy online assessment helps you understand your current situation so you can create a plan going forward.
Setting a goal can give you a sense of direction and motivation. It can help you stay focused and track how you’re going. Achieving a goal can provide you with a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence in managing your gambling.
If you’re having trouble controlling your gambling, you may also be facing financial difficulties. There is hope for you to regain your financial stability. The earlier you start managing your money, the sooner you can reduce the financial impact of gambling.
It can be challenging to resist the urge to gamble in the heat of the moment, particularly when gambling ads and promotions pop up when you’re online. There are several things you can do to protect yourself online.
The forum is a great place to connect with peers, share strategies, and track your recovery efforts.
Our self-help modules give you the tools to make a start and provide you with strategies and tools for your gambling.
Have a quick question? Our counsellors are available by email to answer any questions you have over email.
Sign up for our free program to receive SMS messages that motivate and encourage you through your gambling journey.
People share stories about their lived experience of seeking help and recovery.
