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Responsible Gambling Tools and Help in Australia — Limits, Blocks and Support

Practical tools that help you stay in control of gambling, from personal limits to blocking software, and where to get free, confidential support.

RollieBet96 Guide · 5 min read · Updated October 2026

In This Guide

Before you start This guide is general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or call 000 in an emergency.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Gambling can start to cause harm slowly. Common warning signs include:

Spending more money or time than you planned.
Chasing losses by betting again to win money back.
Borrowing money or using bill money to gamble.
Hiding your gambling or lying about it.
Feeling anxious, irritable or guilty when you try to stop.
Gambling affecting your work, study, health or relationships.

Talk to Someone If several of these sound familiar, free and confidential help is available. See the support section below.

Setting Your Own Limits

Limits work best when you set them before you start and stick to them.

Set a budget

Use only money you can afford to lose. Keep it separate from rent, bills and savings.

Set a time limit

Decide how long you will play and use a phone alarm to stop on time.

Take regular breaks

Step away often. Long sessions make it harder to judge your decisions.

Never chase losses

If you lose your budget, stop. Betting more to win it back usually increases losses.

Blocking and Self-Exclusion Tools

Tool	What it does
Venue self-exclusion	Ask a club, pub or casino to ban you from its premises. Ask the venue how to start.
BetStop	The national self-exclusion register for licensed Australian online wagering providers. It does not cover pokies or unlicensed websites.
Blocking software	Apps such as Gamban and BetBlocker block gambling websites and apps on your devices. Some are free and some are paid.
Bank gambling blocks	Many Australian banks let you block gambling transactions. Ask your bank or check its app.
Device controls	Delete gambling apps, set screen-time limits and unsubscribe from gambling emails and texts.

Important BetStop only covers licensed Australian wagering services. If you gamble on other websites, blocking software and bank gambling blocks are the tools that can help. Read how the law works in our guide The Interactive Gambling Act Explained.

Where to Get Free Support

Support is free, confidential and available for you, your family and your friends.

Gambling Help Online: call 1800 858 858 any time or use the online chat at Gambling Help Online.
Lifeline: call 13 11 14 if you feel overwhelmed or in crisis.
National Debt Helpline: call 1800 007 007 for free financial counselling.
Your doctor: a GP can refer you to counselling and support.

Responsible Gambling Tools and Help FAQ

What is BetStop?

BetStop is the national self-exclusion register for licensed Australian online wagering providers. When you register, those providers must stop you from betting with them. It does not cover pokies or unlicensed websites.

Does BetStop block online pokies?

No. BetStop only covers licensed wagering services. Blocking software, bank gambling blocks and device controls can help with other gambling websites.

How can I block gambling websites on my phone?

Install blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker, delete gambling apps, and ask your bank to block gambling transactions.

Is gambling help free and confidential?

Yes. Gambling Help Online is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day on 1800 858 858. You can also use the online chat at Gambling Help Online.

How can I help a family member who gambles too much?

Listen without judging, encourage them to contact Gambling Help Online, and look after your own wellbeing too. The service also supports family and friends. Visit Gambling Help Online.

This guide is general information only and is intended for readers aged 18 and over. It is not legal advice.