1 Okazu describes the mechanics of casino games. Our content is for adults exclusively: you must be 18 or older to gamble. Gambling isn't a method for making money. If you play, view it as a trip to the cinema, an activity you pay for to enjoy, rather than something that pays you.
Signs it's becoming a problem
- Using more time or spending more money than you intended
- Betting larger amounts to recover what you've lost, or chasing losses
- Borrowing to gamble, or using funds intended for groceries, bills or rent
- Keeping how much you gamble secret from those close to you
- Feeling flat, cranky or anxious when you aren't gambling
- Gambling as a way to escape worries or stress
If any of these seem familiar, talking to someone sooner rather than later is worth it.
Limits you can set
- Decide on a sum before starting and treat it as if it's already gone.
- Use a phone alarm to set a time limit.
- Don't take your cards with you and never use borrowed money to gamble.
- Pause your play, and avoid playing if you're tired, upset or have been drinking.
- Ensure some days of the week are gambling-free.
Where to get help in Australia
National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858. Talk to a gambling counsellor at any time, 24/7, from any location in Australia. The service is confidential, professional and free.
Gambling Help Online. Free support for anyone affected by gambling, including those concerned about another person's gambling. It's available 24/7 and offers email and live chat with a counsellor, self-assessments online, a free SMS support service, and peer support groups available online or in-person.
BetStop: the National Self-Exclusion Register. A secure, free method to exclude yourself from every phone and online wagering provider licensed in Australia in one process. You can choose a period from 3 months up to a lifetime.
- What you need to sign up: a Medicare card, an Australian driver's licence, an Australian passport, a mobile number, and email access.
- Support people: you can nominate up to 5 friends or family members to support you.
- Help with registering: call 1800 238 786, also if you want to use a different ID.
- What it doesn't cover: pokie venues, casinos, online casino games, and online services not licensed in Australia.