How to protect yourself from gambling harm

You can lower the risk of gambling harm by using these simple strategies and tools:

Set a deposit limit

This helps you avoid losing more than you can afford. Every wagering service provider must let you set a limit on how much money you deposit for gambling.

Check your betting activity statements

Each month, your wagering service provider must send you a statement that shows how much you have spent on gambling. Make sure to check these closely to stay on top of your spending.

Use YourPlay at poker machine venues

YourPlay helps you track your gambling. You can set limits on how much time or money you spend, keeping you in control. It’s free to use and shows you how close you are to your limits.

Take regular breaks

Make sure to take breaks so you don’t lose track of time. Check the time regularly and step outside for some fresh air. This can help you think more clearly about whether you want to keep gambling or not, and what might happen if you do. You can set up alarms or reminders on your phone to help you keep track of time while gambling.

Worried you might be gambling too much? It can be easy to gamble and spend more without noticing. If gambling is on your mind more and more these days, check your gambling habits(opens in a new window).

Managing what you see online

It can be tough to manage your gambling habits if gambling websites and advertising pop-up when you’re online.

You can control your online security and advertising settings in web browsers, social media sites and websites to limit your exposure to gambling websites and advertising.

Google

Google does not allow gambling advertisers to remarket based on any gambling-related interests someone has (e.g. Sports betting).

On Google you can:

block specific advertisers

report ads.

Find out how to control the ads you see on Google.(opens in a new window)

The ads you click, the pages and posts you like, the websites you visit influence the ads you see on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.

For example, if you like content related to gambling, you may see more ads about gambling.

Social platforms provide you with tools to control the ads you see in your newsfeed. To adjust your ad preferences, go to your profile settings on Facebook(opens in a new window), Instagram(opens in a new window), TikTok(opens in a new window), X(opens in a new window) and YouTube(opens in a new window).

Opt-out of direct marketing

If you’re receiving marketing emails/SMS or in-app marketing notifications from a wagering service provider, it means that you’ve ‘opted in’ to receive them.

You can choose to ‘opt-out’ and stop receiving marketing emails, SMS or in-app notifications at any time. Visit the help centre or the privacy policy of the wagering service provider that you use for more information.

Opted out of betting marketing and still receiving offers?

Wagering service providers must:

Get your express consent before sending direct marketing.

Stop sending messages if you unsubscribe.

Not offer incentives to get you to receive marketing.

If you’re getting unwanted offers, let us know by submitting a complaint or tip-off.(opens in a new window)

Exclude yourself from gambling

If you are concerned about your gambling, you can exclude yourself from a gambling service, venue or provider. Contact gambling service providers directly to exclude yourself from their gambling services. In addition, Betstop is a free government service that lets you block yourself from all licensed online and phone wagering services in Australia. You can choose how long you want to stay blocked. Sign up at any time on the BetStop website(opens in a new window).