Safer gambling: where to get help, and the limits worth setting first

Pokies are built to be played longer than you planned. The numbers on this site are there to make the game readable, not to make it look like a plan. If it has stopped being fun, or the money has stopped being spare, the people below are free, confidential and open 24 hours.

Help right now

Gambling Help Online — call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, phone and online chat, for you or for someone you’re worried about.

Lifeline — 13 11 14, 24-hour crisis support.

BetStop — betstop.gov.au, the national self-exclusion register. One registration blocks you from every licensed Australian online and phone betting provider for a period you choose. It doesn’t cover offshore casinos, which is one more reason to set limits inside any casino account you open.

Before you play

Decide the deposit before you open the cashier, and make it money that’s already spent. Set the deposit and loss limits in the casino account if it offers them, and set them lower than you think you need. Set a time. Don’t chase a Money Respin that didn’t come; the next spin doesn’t know about the last one.

Recreational wins aren’t taxed and losses aren’t deductible, which is a polite way of saying the money only ever goes one way over time. A 96% game keeps 4% of everything bet, forever.

Under 18

Every casino named on this site, and every game, is for people aged 18 and over. The demo toys on this site pay nothing and aren’t a substitute for anything.

Chances are you’re about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.