Responsible Gambling

At Better Choice Company, we review and compare betting apps and online casinos. We take that responsibility seriously — not just the accuracy of our reviews, but the reality that gambling can cause genuine harm when it stops being entertainment and starts becoming a compulsion. This page exists because we believe every gambling-related website has an obligation to do more than paste a disclaimer in its footer.

This is not a compliance checkbox. It is a comprehensive resource designed to give you practical, actionable information about responsible gambling in Australia. Whether you are a casual punter who wants to stay in control, someone who suspects their gambling habits are becoming a problem, or a friend or family member who is worried about someone they care about, this page is for you.

If you need help right now, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858. It is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for online chat and self-help resources.

Everything on this page has been researched and verified against official sources, including the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and state and territory gambling regulators. For app-specific responsible gambling tools and how they compare across platforms, see our detailed Responsible Gambling Tools on Betting Apps guide. To learn about the people behind our content, visit our Authors page.

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

Better Choice Company is not a gambling operator. We do not accept bets, process deposits, or hold any wagering licences. We are an independent review and comparison website. But the fact that we influence which platforms our readers choose to use means we have a moral responsibility to promote responsible gambling at every level of what we do.

Our commitment to responsible gambling is embedded in our editorial process:

• Responsible gambling tools are part of every review. When we review a betting app, we assess the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of its responsible gambling features. An app that buries its self-exclusion option or makes it difficult to set deposit limits will receive a lower score from us than one that makes these tools prominent and easy to use.
• We never encourage reckless gambling. Our guides and articles are written to inform, not to encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling behaviour. We do not use language that normalises chasing losses, gambling with money you cannot afford to lose, or treating betting as a reliable source of income.
• We include responsible gambling messaging across the site. Every page on aupayidpokies.com includes access to responsible gambling resources, including the Gambling Help number (1800 858 858) and a link to BetStop.
• We do not target vulnerable audiences. Our content is created for adults aged 18 and over. We do not market to or create content designed to appeal to minors or people who have self-excluded from gambling services.
• We keep this page updated. Responsible gambling resources, regulations, and best practices evolve. We review and update this page regularly to ensure the information is current and accurate.

BetStop — Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register

BetStop is the single most important responsible gambling tool available to Australian punters. It is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register, established under the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering and operated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Since its launch, more than 35,000 Australians have registered with BetStop to take control of their gambling.

What BetStop Is

BetStop allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online wagering services in a single step. Unlike self-exclusion through an individual betting app (which only covers that one platform), BetStop covers every Australian-licensed interactive wagering operator simultaneously. When you register, every licensed operator is legally required to close your existing accounts, return your account balance, and prevent you from opening new accounts for the duration of your exclusion.

BetStop is free to use and available to any person in Australia. You do not need to demonstrate that you have a gambling problem — anyone can register for any reason.

How to Register with BetStop

Registering with BetStop is a straightforward process:

1. Visit betstop.gov.au — you can also register by calling the BetStop support line.
2. Verify your identity. You will need to provide personal details including your full name, date of birth, and residential address. BetStop uses a secure identity verification process to ensure that wagering operators can match you against their customer databases.
3. Choose your exclusion period. The minimum exclusion period is 3 months. You can also choose 6 months, 12 months, 3 years, 5 years, or a lifetime exclusion. Choose the period that feels right for you — there is no wrong answer, and you can always extend your exclusion later.
4. Confirm your registration. Once confirmed, BetStop notifies all participating operators. They must act on the exclusion within the mandated timeframe.

What BetStop Covers

BetStop applies to all interactive wagering service providers that hold an Australian state or territory wagering licence. This includes all the major domestic online bookmakers. When your BetStop exclusion is active, every covered operator must:

• Close any existing accounts you hold with them
• Return any remaining funds in your account to you
• Refuse to allow you to open any new accounts
• Stop sending you any direct marketing communications
• Prevent you from placing any bets through their platform

What BetStop Does Not Cover

BetStop covers Australian-licensed online wagering services. It does not cover:

• Offshore betting sites that do not hold an Australian licence, even if they accept Australian customers
• Land-based venues such as casinos, pokies rooms, clubs, pubs, or retail TAB outlets (these have separate state-based exclusion programs)
• Lottery services which operate under separate regulatory frameworks
• Social gaming or fantasy sports that do not involve real-money wagering

If you use platforms that hold international licences (such as Curacao or Malta-licensed operators), you will need to contact those platforms individually to request account closure or self-exclusion.

Revoking a BetStop Exclusion

If you registered for a fixed period and that period has elapsed, you can request revocation. There is a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period — your exclusion remains active for 7 full days after you submit the request, giving you time to reconsider. This is a deliberate safeguard against impulsive decisions.

Lifetime exclusions through BetStop are permanent and cannot be revoked. This is by design — a lifetime exclusion is intended for people who have made a definitive decision to remove online wagering from their lives permanently.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling rarely announces itself. It develops gradually, and many people do not recognise the warning signs until significant harm has already occurred. Understanding these signs — in yourself or in someone you care about — is the first step toward getting help before things escalate further.

The following warning signs are based on guidance from Gambling Help Australia, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, and peer-reviewed gambling research. Experiencing one or two of these signs does not necessarily mean you have a gambling problem, but if you recognise several of them, it is worth taking an honest look at your gambling habits.

Financial Warning Signs

• Spending more money on gambling than you planned or can comfortably afford
• Chasing losses — increasing bets to try to win back money you have lost
• Borrowing money, taking out loans, or using credit to fund gambling
• Selling possessions or assets to get money to gamble or to pay gambling debts
• Falling behind on bills, rent, mortgage payments, or other financial obligations
• Unexplained financial problems or a pattern of money disappearing from accounts
• Hiding bank statements, receipts, or betting transaction records
• Taking money from shared savings, children's accounts, or workplace funds

Behavioural Warning Signs

• Spending increasing amounts of time gambling, at the expense of other activities
• Thinking about gambling constantly — planning the next bet, reliving past wins or losses
• Needing to bet more money or more frequently to get the same level of excitement
• Being unable to stop gambling or cut back despite wanting to
• Neglecting work responsibilities, missing deadlines, or calling in sick to gamble
• Withdrawing from family, friends, and social activities
• Losing interest in hobbies, sport, and other activities you used to enjoy
• Staying up late or gambling at unusual hours
• Keeping gambling a secret or lying about how much time and money you spend

Emotional Warning Signs

• Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when you try to cut back or stop gambling
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional pain
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, or hopeless after gambling sessions
• Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins and losses
• Feeling a loss of control — as though gambling is controlling you rather than the other way around
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide related to gambling losses or debts

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call Lifeline immediately on 13 11 14 or call 000 in an emergency.

Recognising these signs takes honesty and courage. If you see yourself in this list, that awareness is valuable — it means you can take action. The resources listed later on this page can help you take that next step.

Tools Available on Betting Apps

Every licensed Australian betting app is required to provide responsible gambling tools to its customers. The quality and accessibility of these tools varies between platforms, but the core set of tools available on most apps includes the following. For a detailed comparison of how specific betting apps implement these tools, see our Responsible Gambling Tools on Betting Apps guide.

Deposit Limits

Deposit limits allow you to cap the amount of money you can deposit into your betting account within a given period — daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you reach your limit, the app will not accept any further deposits until the next period begins. Key points:

• You can choose your own limit amount and timeframe
• Decreasing your deposit limit takes effect immediately
• Increasing your deposit limit triggers a mandatory cooling-off period (usually 7 days), preventing impulsive increases after a losing streak
• Some apps allow you to set separate limits for different timeframes simultaneously (for example, $50 daily and $200 weekly)

Loss Limits

Loss limits cap the net amount you can lose within a set period. When your losses reach the limit, you are prevented from placing further bets until the period resets. Loss limits differ from deposit limits because they are based on actual losses rather than deposits. Not all apps offer loss limits, but those that do provide a valuable additional layer of protection.

Time-Outs and Cooling-Off Periods

Time-outs allow you to temporarily suspend your account for a set period, typically ranging from 24 hours to 30 days. During a time-out, you cannot log in, place bets, or make deposits. This is useful if you want a short break from gambling without going through the full self-exclusion process. Some apps also offer session time limits, which alert you or log you out after you have been active for a specified period.

Activity Statements

Activity statements provide a detailed summary of your gambling activity over a given period, including total deposits, total withdrawals, net win/loss, number of bets placed, and time spent on the platform. Under the National Consumer Protection Framework, Australian-licensed operators are required to provide activity statements. Reviewing your activity statement regularly is one of the most effective ways to maintain awareness of your gambling habits and ensure they remain within comfortable boundaries.

Reality Checks

Reality checks are periodic notifications that appear while you are using a betting app, reminding you how long you have been logged in and, in some cases, how much you have won or lost during your session. These notifications are designed to interrupt the flow of gambling and prompt you to make a conscious decision about whether to continue. Some apps allow you to customise the frequency of reality checks.

Self-Exclusion (Platform-Specific)

In addition to BetStop (which covers all licensed operators), individual betting apps offer their own self-exclusion options. Platform-specific self-exclusion closes your account on that single platform for a chosen period. This can be useful if you want to stop using one particular app without excluding yourself from all services. However, for comprehensive protection, BetStop is the more effective option.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing harm from gambling, help is available. Every service listed below is free and confidential. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out — these services support people at every stage, from those who are just starting to worry about their gambling to those in serious financial or emotional distress.

National Services

• Gambling Help — 1800 858 858 (24/7, free from any phone)
  The national gambling helpline provides phone counselling, information, and referrals. It is the primary point of contact for anyone affected by gambling in Australia. You can also access online counselling and self-help tools at gamblinghelponline.org.au.
• Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
  Lifeline provides crisis support and suicide prevention services. If you are in emotional distress or experiencing thoughts of self-harm related to gambling or any other cause, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:30pm)
  The National Debt Helpline provides free financial counselling for people experiencing financial difficulty, including gambling-related debt. Financial counsellors can help you understand your options, negotiate with creditors, and develop a plan to manage your debts.
• BetStop — betstop.gov.au
  Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register. Register to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online wagering services in one step.
• Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
  Beyond Blue provides support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, which often co-occur with problem gambling.

State and Territory Services

In addition to the national services listed above, each state and territory operates its own gambling support services:

• New South Wales: GambleAware — gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
• Victoria: Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation — responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au
• Queensland: Queensland Government Gambling Help — qld.gov.au
• South Australia: Gambling Helpline SA — 1800 060 757
• Western Australia: Gambling Help WA — gamblinghelpwa.org.au
• Tasmania: Gambling Support Tasmania — 1800 858 858
• Northern Territory: Amity Community Services — (08) 8944 6565
• Australian Capital Territory: Gambling Help ACT — 1800 858 858

All of these services are free and confidential. They support not just the person gambling, but also their family members, friends, and colleagues who are affected.

Supporting Someone with a Gambling Problem

If someone you care about — a partner, family member, friend, or colleague — is struggling with gambling, you are not alone. In Australia, it is estimated that for every person with a gambling problem, an additional five to ten people are negatively affected. The impact on relationships, finances, and mental health can be profound.

Here is practical guidance for supporting someone who may have a gambling problem:

Starting the Conversation

• Choose the right moment. Find a calm, private time when neither of you is stressed, angry, or in a rush. Avoid raising the subject during or immediately after a gambling-related argument.
• Lead with care, not accusation. Use "I" statements rather than "you" statements. For example, say "I've been worried about our finances" rather than "You're spending all our money on gambling."
• Be specific about what you've noticed. Rather than making general statements like "You gamble too much," describe specific behaviours you have observed, such as "I've noticed you've been staying up very late on your phone" or "I've seen several large withdrawals from our joint account."
• Listen without interrupting. Give the person space to respond. They may be defensive, dismissive, or upset. Try to listen to what they are saying rather than reacting immediately.
• Do not issue ultimatums in the first conversation. The goal of the first conversation is to open a dialogue, not to force an outcome. Ultimatums often trigger defensiveness and can shut down communication.

Practical Steps You Can Take

• Encourage professional help. Suggest they call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. You can offer to sit with them while they make the call or help them book an appointment with a counsellor.
• Help them access tools. Offer to help them register with BetStop, set deposit limits on their apps, or close their betting accounts. Do not do it for them without their knowledge — the person needs to be involved in the decision.
• Protect shared finances. If gambling is affecting shared finances, take steps to protect joint accounts, savings, and assets. This is not about controlling the other person — it is about preventing further harm to the household.
• Do not lend money or pay gambling debts. This is one of the hardest but most important boundaries. Providing money to someone with a gambling problem, even with the best intentions, usually enables the behaviour to continue rather than addressing the underlying issue.
• Seek your own support. Supporting someone with a gambling problem is emotionally demanding. Contact Gambling Help (1800 858 858) — they provide support for family members and friends, not just the person gambling. You can also access support through Relationships Australia (1300 364 277).

What to Avoid

• Do not blame yourself. A person's gambling problem is not caused by their partner, parent, or friend.
• Do not try to control their every action. Surveillance and control often damage trust and make recovery harder.
• Do not cover up the problem or make excuses for their behaviour to others.
• Do not expect an overnight fix. Recovery from problem gambling is a process, and setbacks are common.

Setting Limits — A Practical Guide

Setting limits is the most effective way to keep gambling enjoyable and prevent it from causing financial or emotional harm. This section provides a step-by-step approach to establishing and maintaining healthy gambling boundaries.

Step 1: Know Your Numbers

Before you set any limits, you need to understand your current financial situation. Write down your monthly income, essential expenses (rent, mortgage, bills, food, transport, debt repayments), and discretionary spending. The money available for gambling should come from your discretionary budget — never from money earmarked for essentials, savings, or debt repayment.

A common guideline is that gambling expenditure should not exceed what you would comfortably spend on other entertainment activities. If you would think twice about spending a certain amount on a night out, a concert ticket, or a hobby, you should think twice about spending that amount on betting.

Step 2: Set a Weekly or Monthly Budget

Decide on a fixed amount you are comfortable losing each week or month. This is your gambling budget, and it should be treated as an entertainment expense — money you are spending for the experience, not investing for a return. Once you have decided on your budget, set deposit limits on your betting apps to enforce it. Do not rely on willpower alone.

Step 3: Set Time Limits

Time limits are just as important as financial limits. Decide in advance how much time you will spend gambling each day or week, and stick to it. Use the reality check and session timer features available on most betting apps. When your time is up, log out — even if you are winning.

Step 4: Never Chase Losses

Chasing losses is one of the most reliable indicators that gambling is becoming a problem. The impulse to "win back" what you have lost is natural, but acting on it almost always leads to larger losses. If you have reached your budget for the day, week, or month, stop. Walk away. The money you have lost is the cost of entertainment, just as you would not go back to a restaurant to "win back" the money you spent on dinner.

Step 5: Review Your Activity Regularly

Check your betting app activity statement at least once a month. Compare your actual spending against your budget. If you are consistently spending more than you planned, it is time to either tighten your limits or take a break. Honest self-assessment is the foundation of responsible gambling.

Step 6: Take Breaks

Even if your gambling is within healthy limits, regular breaks are beneficial. Use the time-out feature on your betting apps to take a week or a month off periodically. If you find it difficult to take a break — if the idea of a week without gambling makes you anxious or restless — that is itself a signal worth paying attention to.

Step 7: Keep Gambling Separate

Do not gamble when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, when you are emotionally distressed, when you are bored, or when you are under financial pressure. Gambling should be a deliberate, planned activity — not a response to emotion or circumstance.

Australian Gambling Regulations

Australia has one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for online gambling in the world. Understanding the regulations that protect you as a consumer can help you make more informed decisions about which platforms to use and what protections you are entitled to.

The National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF)

The National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering is a set of 10 measures agreed upon by Australian federal, state, and territory governments to reduce gambling-related harm. The measures have been progressively implemented since 2019 and include:

1. BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register: allows consumers to exclude themselves from all licensed Australian online wagering services in one step.
2. Credit card ban: prohibits licensed wagering operators from accepting credit card deposits, preventing people from gambling with money they do not have.
3. Voluntary pre-commitment (deposit limits): requires operators to offer deposit limit tools that allow consumers to set caps on how much they can deposit.
4. Activity statements: requires operators to provide regular summaries of customer gambling activity, including total deposits, withdrawals, and net win/loss.
5. Consistent responsible gambling messaging: mandates that all licensed operators display responsible gambling messages and provide access to support services.
6. Prohibition of inducements to non-account holders: restricts operators from advertising bonuses, free bets, or other inducements to people who do not already hold an account (in most jurisdictions).
7. Staff training requirements: requires operators to train their customer-facing staff in identifying and responding to signs of problem gambling.
8. Customer verification: requires operators to verify the identity and age of customers before allowing them to place bets.
9. Consistent gambling advertising rules: establishes uniform rules for gambling advertising during live sport broadcasts and at other times.
10. Research and evaluation: commits governments to ongoing research into the effectiveness of consumer protection measures and the prevalence of gambling harm.

Credit Card Ban

Since 2020, it has been illegal for Australian-licensed interactive wagering operators to accept credit card deposits. This measure was introduced to prevent people from gambling with borrowed money, which significantly increases the risk of financial harm. All deposits to licensed betting accounts must be made using debit cards, bank transfers, PayID, BPAY, or other approved payment methods that draw on funds you already possess.

Advertising Restrictions

Gambling advertising in Australia is subject to increasingly strict regulations:

• Betting advertisements are banned during live sport broadcasts from the start of play until the later of the scheduled end of play or 8:30pm local time.
• Inducement advertising (promoting bonuses, free bets, or enhanced odds) to non-account holders is prohibited in most states and territories.
• All gambling advertisements must include responsible gambling messaging and the Gambling Help number (1800 858 858).
• The federal government has signalled further tightening of gambling advertising rules, with a potential phased ban on gambling advertising under active consideration.

ACMA Enforcement

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) and regulating online gambling services in Australia. ACMA has the power to block access to illegal offshore gambling websites, issue civil penalties to operators who breach Australian law, and investigate complaints about gambling services. If you believe an online gambling operator is acting illegally in Australia, you can report it to ACMA at acma.gov.au.

Further Resources

Responsible gambling is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time decision. Here are additional resources to help you stay informed and in control:

• Responsible Gambling Tools on Betting Apps — our detailed guide to how specific betting apps implement responsible gambling features, including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and activity statements.
• Our Authors — learn about the people who research and write our content, including this responsible gambling resource.
• BetStop — register for Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register.
• Gambling Help Online — online counselling, self-assessment tools, and self-help resources.
• ACMA Online Gambling — information about online gambling regulation in Australia.

If you need help right now, please call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858. It is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 for emergency services.