Responsible gambling in Australia
Start playingGambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If you're betting online or at the pokies, it's worth knowing when the fun stops being fun — and where to turn when it does. This page walks through the warning signs, the questions worth asking yourself, and the free support available across Australia, including tools the operator provides within its own account settings.
Why responsible gambling matters
For most people, betting is a bit of light entertainment — a harmless way to pass an afternoon or mark a big game. But for some, the habit can become something heavier, and the line between entertainment and problem can shift without much warning. Understanding that shift, and knowing what support looks like, can make the difference between a close call and a real crisis.
Gambling harms are real and they are preventable. The sooner you notice the change in your own behaviour, the sooner you can take control of it. That's why the tools and helplines below exist.
Warning signs: when gambling gets out of hand
These are the moments worth paying attention to:
- You're betting more money or more often than you planned to
- You're chasing losses — putting in more money to win back what you've lost
- You're hiding your betting from family or friends
- Gambling is affecting your sleep, work or relationships
- You feel anxious or irritable when you're not gambling
- You've tried to cut back or stop but couldn't
- You're using gambling to escape stress, worry or difficult feelings
- You're borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
A few questions to ask yourself
If any of these ring true, it might be time to talk to someone:
- Am I spending more on betting than I can afford to lose?
- Have I lied to anyone about how much I'm gambling?
- Do I feel restless or irritable when I can't gamble?
- Have I borrowed money to gamble or to pay off gambling debts?
- Is gambling affecting my work, study or home life?
- Do I gamble to escape problems or bad feelings?
- Have I ever felt that my gambling was out of control?
Lichibet's control tools
The operator provides several tools within your account to help you stay in control. These are your own settings, managed directly through the platform:
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Self-exclusion | Request a temporary or permanent ban from your account. Send a message to the operator's Customer Support Department from your registered email address; the account disables within 24 hours. |
| Account closure | Close your account and withdraw your balance in full. Any remaining funds are returned to you, except where withdrawal fees apply. |
These tools are designed to work quickly and without fuss — no long waiting periods or approval processes. If you need to step back, you can do it straight away.
Tips for gambling sensibly
- Set a budget before you start and stick to it — only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set time limits as well as money limits, and use a clock or timer to remind yourself
- Never chase losses; if you've lost your budget for the day, walk away
- Don't gamble when you're stressed, upset or drinking — it clouds your judgment
- Keep gambling separate from other spending — use a dedicated card or account if it helps
- Talk to someone you trust if gambling starts to feel out of control
Where to find help in Australia
Free support is available right now, 24 hours a day. None of these services will judge you, and all of them are confidential.
National Gambling Helpline
1800 858 858, free call, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The team also offers free online chat and email counselling through Gambling Help Online. This is the quickest way to reach a counsellor if you need to talk to someone today.
BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is a free national register run under the ACMA that lets you exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers at once. You can register for a minimum of three months or a lifetime ban. It covers licensed sports and race betting services. Note that BetStop does not cover online casino games, which are not lawfully provided in Australia.
Blocking software
Gamban and BetBlocker are free tools you can install on your device to block gambling sites automatically. They work on computers, tablets and phones, and they give you peace of mind when willpower alone isn't enough.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous runs free peer support meetings across Australia where people share their experiences and help each other stay on track. Meetings are confidential and there's no pressure to speak if you don't want to.
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy offers free online counselling, self-help tools and resources from qualified therapists. You can chat anonymously and work through things at your own pace.
Protecting minors
Online gambling is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. If you're concerned about a young person gambling, talk to them openly and without anger. Parents and carers can use device-level controls to block gambling sites, and the helplines above have resources for families as well as individuals.