Responsible Gambling
No deposit offers for Australians, each with the pros, cons and fine print in one card.
Back to OffersGambling should be a paid-for pastime, not a way to make money or escape problems. This page explains where Australians can get free help, which tools limit or stop gambling, and the warning signs worth watching for.
Free help, any time
If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, help is free, confidential and available around the clock.
- Gambling Help Online: call 1800 858 858 any time, or use the live chat and email counselling on the Gambling Help Online website. Support is also available for family and friends.
- BetStop: the National Self-Exclusion Register lets you block yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers in one step, for a period you choose.
Warning signs
Gambling problems usually build gradually. These signs are worth taking seriously:
- Spending more money or time than you planned, again and again.
- Chasing losses by depositing more to win back what you've lost.
- Borrowing, using bill money or selling things to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends, or lying about it.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you try to cut back.
- Gambling to cope with stress, boredom or loneliness.
- Claiming one bonus after another to keep playing.
If several of these sound familiar, talking to someone helps. You don't need to be in crisis to call Gambling Help Online.
Tools that limit or stop gambling
Deposit limits
Most online casinos let you set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits in your account. Lowering a limit usually takes effect straight away; raising one often has a waiting period. Set limits before you play, when you're calm.
Session reminders and time limits
Reminders show how long you've been playing. Some casinos can log you out after a set time. A phone alarm works too.
Cool-off periods
A cool-off locks your account for a short time, typically from a day to several weeks. It's useful after a bad session or before a stressful period.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion closes your account for months or longer. Ask the casino's support team, and ask them to close any linked accounts too. Because offshore casinos aren't part of BetStop, you need to exclude yourself from each one separately.
Blocking software
Apps and browser tools can block access to gambling sites across your devices. They're a useful extra barrier alongside self-exclusion.
Setting a budget that holds
A budget works best when it's decided away from the screen. Pick an amount you'd be comfortable spending on a night out or a movie, and treat it as spent the moment you deposit. If it's gone, the session is over; topping up to win it back is the habit most worth avoiding.
- Keep gambling money separate from bill and savings money, and never use credit.
- Decide a time limit as well as a money limit, and set a reminder.
- Take regular breaks, and don't play when you're tired, upset or have been drinking.
- If you win, decide in advance how much you'll withdraw rather than playing it all back.
Writing your limits down, or telling someone you trust, makes them easier to keep.
Bonuses and responsible play
No deposit bonuses lower the cost of trying a casino, but they're marketing designed to lead to deposits. Treat a free chip or free spins as a look around, set your budget before you claim, and never deposit just to unlock bonus winnings you weren't planning to play for. Read the wagering, cap and max bet so your expectations are realistic.
The law in plain words
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 is the federal law that governs online gambling services offered to people in Australia. It restricts which online gambling services can be provided to Australians, and online casino-style games such as pokies are not licensed for Australian operators to offer online. The casinos listed on this site are licensed offshore. The Act is aimed at providers rather than players, but you should know that you're dealing with an overseas business and that Australian consumer protections and dispute options may not apply in the same way.
Under 18s
Gambling is for adults only. This site is for people aged 18 and over. If you share a device with children, use parental controls and keep casino logins private.
Helping someone else
If you're worried about a partner, friend or family member, Gambling Help Online also supports affected others. Talking openly, without blame, and offering to look at support options together is often a good first step. Look after your own finances and wellbeing too.
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