Gambling is an activity that carries risk. For most people, it is a form of entertainment undertaken within a planned budget. For some, it can become harmful. This page provides information and resources to help Australian players stay in control.
Know the Risks
Online casino gambling involves real money and real risk of loss. The outcome of casino games is determined by random chance and a mathematical house edge, meaning the casino is statistically more likely to profit over time than the player. There is no strategy that guarantees winnings, and chasing losses nearly always leads to further losses.
Tools Available at Casinos
Responsible casinos provide tools to help players manage their activity. Before depositing, check whether your chosen casino offers the following:
- Deposit limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you deposit.
- Loss limits: Restrict how much you can lose within a defined period.
- Session time limits: Receive an alert or automatic logout after a set playing time.
- Reality checks: On-screen prompts reminding you how long you have been playing and your current balance.
- Self-exclusion: Voluntarily block yourself from the casino for a set period or permanently.
- Account cooling-off: A temporary break during which you cannot deposit or play.
Using paysafecard is one way to practise budget control, since you can only spend the value loaded on your voucher. However, it is easy to purchase multiple vouchers, so a voucher does not replace other limit tools.
Signs That Gambling May Be a Problem
- Spending more than you can afford on gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or to cover gambling losses
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or preoccupied with gambling
- Chasing losses rather than stopping when you planned to
- Lying to family or friends about your gambling
- Gambling interfering with work, study, or family responsibilities
If any of these apply to you or someone you know, free confidential help is available now.
Free Support in Australia
- Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free 24/7 counselling by phone on 1800 858 858 and online chat.
- National Debt Helpline: ndh.org.au — 1800 007 007 — free financial counselling for those with gambling-related debt.
- Lifeline Australia: lifeline.org.au — 13 11 14 — crisis support and suicide prevention.
- BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register: acma.gov.au/betstop — Self-exclude from all Australian licensed wagering services.
This site does not facilitate gambling and has no access to your casino account. For in-casino account issues, contact the casino's support team directly.
