Pokies are designed to be entertaining, and a sign up bonus is designed to keep you playing longer. That combination makes limits more important, not less. Here are the tools and services that help Australians stay in control.
Free, confidential help 24/7: Gambling Help 1800 858 858 · gamblinghelponline.org.au (phone, live chat, email and peer forums).
Warning signs
- Spending more money or time than you planned, or chasing losses.
- Borrowing money, or using bill or rent money, to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you're not gambling.
Tools you can use today
| Tool | What it does | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Caps what you can deposit daily, weekly or monthly | Your casino account settings |
| Reality checks | Pop-up reminders of how long you've played | Casino account settings |
| Cooling-off / self-exclusion | Locks your casino account for a set period or permanently | Casino support or settings |
| Bank gambling block | Blocks card payments to gambling merchants | Most major Australian banking apps |
| Blocking software | Stops gambling sites loading on your devices | Gamban, BetBlocker |
| BetStop | National self-exclusion from licensed Australian wagering providers | betstop.gov.au |
Note: BetStop covers licensed Australian betting providers only. Offshore casinos aren't part of it, so use the casino's own self-exclusion and a device blocker as well.
Simple habits that help
- Set a budget you're comfortable losing and stop when it's gone.
- Set a time limit and use a phone timer.
- Never gamble to pay bills or win back losses.
- Skip the bonus if its rules would push you to play longer than you want.
- Take regular breaks, and don't gamble when stressed, low or after drinking.
Protecting minors
Gambling is strictly for adults 18+. Use device parental controls and keep account logins private.
Support for family and friends
Gambling Help Online also supports people affected by someone else's gambling. Call 1800 858 858 any time.