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Habits that actually work
You do not need a complicated plan. A few habits go a long way.
Set a budget before you start. Decide how much you can afford to lose this week and treat it as spent.
Set a time limit. Sessions run longer than they feel, especially on fast pokies and crash games.
Never chase losses. Raising the stake to win back what you lost is how small losses become big ones.
Keep gambling money separate. Do not use money meant for rent, bills or groceries, and never borrow to play.
Play when you are in a good frame of mind. Gambling to escape stress, boredom or a bad day is a warning sign in itself.
Tools in your casino account
Every casino in our ranking lets you set limits in your profile. Look for a section called Responsible Gaming, Limits or Account Settings.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limit | caps how much you can pay in per day, week or month |
| Loss or wager limit | stops play once losses or total bets reach your figure |
| Session reminder | shows how long you have been playing |
| Cooling off | blocks the account for a short period, at Stay Casino from 1 day to 6 months |
| Self exclusion | closes the account for a long period, at Stay Casino from 6 to 12 months |
A lower limit usually applies at once, while raising one often takes a waiting period. That delay is there to protect you, so set limits on a calm day rather than in the middle of a session.
Self exclusion and BetStop
BetStop is the national self exclusion register run by the Australian Government. One registration blocks you from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering services for a period you choose, from 3 months to life.
BetStop does not cover offshore casinos, which include every brand in our ranking. To exclude yourself there, use the self exclusion tool in each account or ask support to close it. Do this at every casino where you hold an account.
Bank gambling blocks
Several Australian banks let you block gambling transactions on your cards from the banking app. Once it is on, card payments to gambling merchants are declined. Some banks make you wait before you can switch the block off again.
A block does not stop crypto or vouchers, so combine it with self exclusion if you want a firm barrier.
Signs that gambling is becoming a problem
Ask yourself these questions honestly. If you answer yes to some of them, it is time to talk to someone.
- Do you bet more than you planned, or for longer?
- Do you need bigger bets to get the same excitement?
- Do you go back another day to win back losses?
- Have you borrowed money or sold something to gamble?
- Do you hide your gambling from family or friends?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down?
None of this means you have failed. It means the habit has become stronger than the fun, and that is when support helps most.
Where to get help in Australia
These services are free and confidential.
Gambling Help Online. Call 1800 858 858 or chat at gamblinghelponline.org.au, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.- BetStop. Self exclusion from licensed Australian wagering at betstop.gov.au.
Lifeline. Crisis support on 13 11 14 if you are struggling to cope.
Family members can call Gambling Help Online too. Gambling harm affects the people around a player, and they can get advice and counselling of their own.
Under 18s
Online gambling is for adults only. Every casino in our ranking checks age before it pays out, and their terms close any account opened by a minor. If children use your devices, set up parental controls and keep casino logins to yourself.