Gambling Should Stay Recreational
Gambling is not a reliable way to earn income or recover financial losses. Outcomes are uncertain, and every wager carries the possibility of losing money.
A safer approach is to treat gambling as paid entertainment, decide the cost in advance and stop when the planned budget or time limit is reached.
Set Limits Before You Play
Choose a fixed spending amount that does not affect rent, bills, food, savings or other commitments.
Set a clear finishing time, take regular breaks and avoid increasing bets because of frustration, excitement or previous losses.
Warning Signs
Possible warning signs include hiding gambling activity, borrowing to gamble, chasing losses, missing obligations, feeling unable to stop or using gambling to escape stress.
Experiencing one or more warning signs is a reason to pause and seek confidential support.
Practical Protection Steps
Keep gambling funds separate from essential money, avoid gambling while affected by alcohol or strong emotions, and never use credit intended for living expenses.
Consider account limits, venue exclusions, bank gambling blocks or support from a trusted person where these measures are available and appropriate.
Support in Australia
Gambling Help Online provides free and confidential support in Australia. Support options may include counselling, online chat, telephone assistance and information for family or friends.
For immediate or location-specific assistance, use an official Australian gambling support service or speak directly with the responsible gambling team at the relevant licensed venue.
Adults Only
Casino gambling is restricted to people aged 18 years and over. Adults should also take care not to normalise gambling for children or allow minors to access gambling accounts, venues or promotional material.