Sports betting is now a common part of watching sport in Australia. You might see betting ads during games, talk about odds with friends, or receive offers through betting apps.
For some people, betting starts as a bit of fun but slowly becomes more regular. You might notice you are betting more often, spending more and thinking about betting even when you’re not watching sport.
This page explains why sports betting can be risky, signs it may be affecting you, steps you can take to reduce harm and where to get support.
What makes sports betting risky
Sports betting can feel exciting, especially when you know the teams, players or sport well. It’s quick and easy because you can place bets at any time through your phone.
Sports betting involves chance, even when you think you know a lot about the sport. Betting companies also set odds in a way that makes money for them – not for you.
Advertising, promotions, bonus bets and live betting options make it harder to stop and think before placing another bet.
There are steps you can take if you are spending more time or money than you planned, or finding it hard to stop or cut back on betting.
Common signs sports betting is affecting you
Everyone’s experience is different. These are some common signs that betting may be causing harm.
Feeling like you need to bet more to get the same excitement.
Feeling restless or uncomfortable when you try to take a break.
Planning to reduce your betting but finding it hard to follow through.
Thinking a lot about past or future bets.
Using betting as a way to cope with stress, worry or your mood.
Putting on more bets to get back the money you’ve lost.
Keeping betting secret or not being honest about how much you’re betting.
Noticing that betting is causing problems in other parts of your life.
Asking friends or family for money because of the money you’ve lost betting.
Noticing these signs does not mean you have done anything wrong. It may simply mean betting is affecting you more than you expected. Recognising this is an important first step.
How to protect yourself
There are steps you can take to protect yourself from the risks of sports betting, especially if you have noticed changes in your betting or are thinking about cutting down.
Many people reach a point where betting feels less enjoyable or more stressful. Taking steps early can make it easier to stay within limits that feel right for you.
Knowing how betting apps, promotions and social pressure influence your decisions can help you make better decisions.
Choosing limits for how much money you want to spend can help you stay in control. Many people find it helpful to set these limits before they start betting.
Paying attention to stress, worry or spending more than planned can help you decide when to slow down or make a change.
BetStop is a free service to exclude yourself from all licensed interactive online wagering services in a single step. You can also use features in your betting apps like deposit limits, time outs and activity statements to stick within your limits.
Protecting yourself means using tools and strategies that support your wellbeing and help you stay in control. You can choose to stop altogether if that feels right for you, or you can focus on keeping your betting within limits that feel comfortable.
Ways to reduce risk
There are practical steps that can help you limit the risks of betting. These strategies can help you stay within your own limits and reduce the chance of betting causing harm.
Pausing during a betting session or taking time away from apps can help you slow down and make choices that are right for you.
Spending time on hobbies, social plans or other interests can help betting feel less central in your day.
Trying to win back money you’ve lost often leads to spending more. Taking a break after a loss can help you stay in control.
Strong feelings like stress or frustration can make decisions harder. Take a moment to settle so you can decide what is right for you.
Betting only with money you don’t need for bills or other essentials can reduce stress and help you stay within limits.
Alcohol can affect decision making and make it harder to stick to your limits. Cutting back can help you stay in control.
Paying attention to what you’ve learned over time can help you make choices that feel comfortable now.
These strategies can help you keep betting in balance and notice when it feels right to slow down or make a change.
BetStop – the National Self‑Exclusion Register
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ is a free service that will help you to exclude yourself from all licensed interactive online wagering services in a single step. More information about BetStop can be found here.
You can ban yourself through BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ for a minimum of three months or longer, including permanently.
If you sign up to BetStop, online wagering providers must close your betting accounts. They must not let you place a bet, open a new account or send you marketing messages. The service is free and your personal details are protected.
If you would like help with this process, you can start a chat counselling session by clicking on “Talk to Someone".
If you prefer to talk to someone over the phone, you can call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or connect with your local service providers here.
There is also software that can block access to gambling sites or online ads. See Online Protection For Gambling.
You can also ban yourself from pubs, clubs and casinos — see Venue Self-Exclusion.
Gambling advertising and marketing
Some gambling apps and platforms use account activity to send personalised ads, offers and promotions. Being aware of how these ads and promotions influence your choices can make it easier to stay in control of your gambling.
You can reduce how many gambling ads you see by using ad blocking tools or adjusting your social media and app settings. Blocking or reducing these ads can make it easier to stick to your own limits. You can also opt out of marketing on your betting apps.
Support options
There are many ways to get help. Different types of support work for different people. You can choose the option that feels right for you.
Take a look at the different types of support and counselling that are available:
- Gambling Helpline
- Ongoing counselling, including telehealth
- Financial counselling
- Online chat
- Email support
- SMS support
- Online forums
Do you want more help?
To learn more about sports betting, 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.
