If you need help right now: Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. You can also chat online or use the self-help tools on their site.
Gambling Should Be a Choice, Not a Habit
Most people who gamble online do so for entertainment and stay within limits they are comfortable with. But gambling can become a problem for some people, and it is important to recognise the signs early rather than waiting until it causes serious harm.
Neosurf vouchers can be a useful tool for budgeting because the deposit is fixed before you log in. But buying additional vouchers mid-session removes that protection. The method does not prevent problem gambling — responsible behaviour does.
Signs That Gambling May Be a Problem
- Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses to recover money
- Gambling with money needed for rent, bills or food
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when not gambling
- Borrowing money or selling items to fund gambling
- Thinking about gambling when you should be focused on other things
- Trying to stop or cut back but finding it difficult
If any of these apply to you or someone you know, the resources below offer free, confidential support.
Australian Support Services
Gambling Help Online
Free 24/7 phone, chat and email support for gamblers and their families. Australia-wide.
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue
Mental health support for anxiety and depression, which can be linked to gambling problems.
Financial Counselling
National Debt Helpline. Free financial counselling for people in financial difficulty.
Tools Available at Online Casinos
Licensed online casinos are required to provide responsible gambling tools. These vary by operator but typically include:
- Deposit limits — set daily, weekly or monthly caps on how much you can deposit
- Loss limits — restrict how much you can lose in a set period
- Session time limits — set alerts or automatic log-outs after a set time
- Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing
- Cooling-off periods — temporary account restrictions from 24 hours to several months
- Self-exclusion — close your account for a minimum period, usually 6 months to 5 years
We check for these tools when rating casinos. Casinos that make it difficult to set limits or exclude yourself score lower in our responsible gambling category.
Tips for Staying in Control
- Set a budget before you start and treat it as a cost of entertainment, not an investment
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Do not chase losses — this is one of the most reliable paths to problem gambling
- Take regular breaks and set a time limit for each session
- Keep gambling separate from alcohol or other substances
- Never gamble to escape stress, anxiety or personal problems
- Use the casino's responsible gambling tools proactively, not reactively