We explain the mechanics of casino games because they're interesting, not because they're a way to make money. The maths favours the house over time. This is worth remembering.
Gambling is for adults only — you must be 18 or older. It's a form of entertainment at its best: you determine its value, just as you'd budget for a night out, and you stop once that's spent.
When it stops being fun
It might be becoming a problem if you observe some of these:
- Using more money than you intended, or more than you can afford.
- Chasing losses, attempting to recover funds you've already lost.
- Taking out loans, or keeping the amount you gamble a secret from those close to you.
- Gambling to avoid boredom, stress or low moods.
- Feeling guilty, irritable or anxious about it.
None of this makes you a bad person. It's common, and support is available.
Practical limits you can set
- Pick a dollar limit before you begin, and consider it gone.
- Establish a time limit, and place a clock in your view.
- Never gamble with funds reserved for food, bills or rent.
- Don't gamble when you're upset, tired or drinking.
- Pause often and quit once your limit is hit — whether you lose or win.
Where to get help in Australia
National Gambling Helpline — 1800 858 858. Free, professional and confidential support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone bills won't show these free calls, and counsellors can arrange an interpreter for support in different languages.
Gambling Help Online. Free and confidential 24/7 support via email, online chat or phone (1800 858 858). The National Relay Service allows people with speech or hearing impairments to make contact.
BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register. A free service that allows you to self-exclude from every licensed Australian phone and online wagering provider through one single process, for periods ranging from three months up to a lifetime. It takes about 5 minutes and you'll need a mobile number, an email address and ID (an Australian passport, Australian driver's licence or Medicare card). You can name up to 5 support people, such as a friend or family member. Call 1800 238 786 to get help or to provide a different form of ID.
Wagering providers must close any current accounts and return credit balances, and they must not send you marketing, allow you to bet, or open an account for you while you're registered.
One important thing: BetStop only applies to licensed phone and online betting. It doesn't apply to online services not licensed in Australia or in-person betting at pokie venues or casinos. You'll have to organise a separate self-exclusion with your state's scheme or the venue for venue pokies.