This page is general information, not counselling or financial advice. If gambling is causing distress, debt, conflict or loss of control, use an independent support service promptly.
Set a fixed entertainment budget
Choose a maximum amount you can comfortably lose before gambling starts. It should not come from rent, food, bills, debt repayments, savings or money needed by another person.
A budget works best when it is not revised upward after a loss.
Use a time boundary as well
Fast repeat play and the urge to recover an earlier result can extend a session. Set an end time before play begins and take a break when the time arrives.
A break is a practical way to check whether a decision still fits the original plan.
Recognise warning signs early
Chasing losses, hiding gambling, borrowing money, missing responsibilities, feeling unable to stop or gambling to change a difficult mood are signs to pause and seek support.
Never borrow money to gamble or treat a game as a way to solve financial pressure.
BetStop and independent help
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register for licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers. It is not a universal block on every gambling website or illegal online casino service.
Gambling Help Online provides Australian support information for people affected by gambling, including family and friends.
Frequently asked questions
What is responsible gambling?
It means treating gambling as entertainment, setting boundaries and seeking support if gambling becomes difficult to control.
What does BetStop cover?
It covers licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, not every gambling website.
Where can I find help?
Gambling Help Online provides support information and counselling options.
Sources and review note
This page is general information only. Laws, provider terms and support services can change.
VGS33 gambling knowledge / Responsible gambling
VGS33 on control: set the boundary before gambling begins
A limit only works when it is decided before play and treated as final. Set a maximum spend that is not needed for rent, food, bills, debt or savings, set an end time, and do not borrow or use credit to continue. A loss is not a reason to increase the next stake.
If gambling is becoming difficult to control, use a practical barrier rather than relying only on willpower: pause access to money, ask someone trusted for support, and use formal self-exclusion or counselling services. Support is appropriate for family and friends as well as the person gambling.
- Decide a fixed time and spending limit before any play.
- Take a break immediately if you feel pressure to chase a loss.
- Use independent support or self-exclusion when gambling is hard to control.
Free support is available through Gambling Help Online. Australian online and phone wagering self-exclusion information is available from BetStop.