Responsible Gambling in Australia

• Set a fixed entertainment budget and do not raise it after a loss.
• Use deposit and loss limits before depositing, not during play.
• Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, angry, intoxicated or trying to recover money.
• Keep gambling money separate from rent, bills, groceries and savings.
• Decline bonuses you cannot realistically clear without changing your normal play.
• Take a break after any large win or loss before deciding what to do next.
• Do not use credit, loans, buy-now-pay-later products or borrowed money to gamble.
• Save support contacts before you need them, including Gambling Help Online and a trusted person.

Gambling harm is not only measured by the amount lost. It can show up as secrecy, stress, conflict, debt pressure, missed work, sleep disruption or repeated attempts to win back losses.

• You gamble for longer or spend more than planned.
• You chase losses or deposit again to unlock another bonus.
• You hide account statements, gambling apps or losses from others.
• You use bill money, savings, credit or borrowed funds to keep playing.
• You feel anxious, restless or irritable when trying to stop.
• You keep gambling after it stops feeling entertaining.

Australia has a mixed gambling framework. Land-based casinos, pokies, lotteries and wagering are largely regulated by states and territories. Online interactive gambling is also affected by federal law, especially the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

In practical terms, Australian law restricts operators from providing prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia. The Act also deals with regulated interactive gambling services, prohibited internet gambling content, advertising restrictions, credit rules, a complaints system and the National Self-Exclusion Register.

Licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers are covered by the BetStop self-exclusion framework. Offshore online casinos are a different risk category: they may not be licensed in Australia, may not be covered by Australian consumer protections and may not participate in Australian self-exclusion systems.

If someone close to you may be experiencing gambling harm, start with practical support rather than blame. Choose a calm moment, use specific observations, and encourage professional help early.

• Avoid paying gambling debts directly without a plan, as this can remove consequences while the behaviour continues.
• Encourage the person to set limits, self-exclude and contact Gambling Help Online.
• Protect shared accounts, bills and essential household money.
• Get support for yourself too. Gambling harm affects partners, friends and families.