Responsible Gambling (Australia)
Important Reminder
Betting should be fun entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to stop.
Betting Safely
Sports betting can be an enjoyable way to engage with rugby league, but it's important to approach it responsibly. Here's how to keep it fun and safe.
Get Help Immediately
Essential Safe Betting Guidelines
💰 Set Your Limits
- • Decide your budget before you start
- • Never bet more than you can afford to lose
- • Set daily, weekly, and monthly limits
- • Stick to your limits no matter what
⏰ Take Regular Breaks
- • Don't bet every day
- • Take weeks off occasionally
- • Set time limits for betting sessions
- • Have other hobbies and interests
🚫 Never Chase Losses
- • Accept losses as part of betting
- • Don't increase bets to "get even"
- • Walk away after a bad day
- • Remember: the house always has an edge
🏦 Keep Finances Separate
- • Use a separate account for betting
- • Never bet with bill money
- • Don't borrow money to bet
- • Keep detailed records of spending
🧠 Stay in Control
- • Don't bet when emotional or stressed
- • Avoid alcohol while betting
- • Make decisions with a clear head
- • Know when to stop
📚 Stay Informed
- • Understand odds and probability
- • Research before betting
- • Learn about responsible gambling
- • Know the warning signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
🚨 Seek Help If You Notice These Signs
Financial Warning Signs
- • Betting more than you planned
- • Using credit cards or loans to bet
- • Struggling to pay bills due to betting
- • Lying about betting losses
- • Borrowing money from friends/family
Behavioral Warning Signs
- • Thinking about betting constantly
- • Neglecting work, family, or friends
- • Feeling anxious when not betting
- • Chasing losses with bigger bets
- • Unable to stop despite wanting to
Australian Support Services
🆘 Immediate Help
Gambling Help Online
24/7 free counselling and support
Phone: 1800 858 858
Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au
🏥 Professional Support
Tools and Resources
Bookmaker Safety Tools
All licensed Australian bookmakers are required to offer responsible gambling tools. Look for these features:
Spending Controls
- • Daily deposit limits
- • Weekly/monthly spend limits
- • Loss limits
- • Time-based limits
Break Options
- • Time-out periods (24 hours to 6 weeks)
- • Self-exclusion (minimum 6 months)
- • Activity statements and spending summaries
- • Reality checks and session reminders
Mobile Apps for Support
- Gambling Help Online App: Free support and tools on your phone
- BetStop App: Quick access to national self-exclusion
- Mindfulness Apps: Help manage stress and emotional betting triggers
For Friends and Family
How to Help Someone with a Gambling Problem
What You Can Do
- • Listen without judgment
- • Encourage professional help
- • Set boundaries about money
- • Take care of your own wellbeing
- • Be patient - recovery takes time
What to Avoid
- • Don't lend money or pay debts
- • Don't cover up consequences
- • Don't lecture or blame
- • Don't give ultimatums
- • Don't try to control their gambling
Legal Requirements in Australia
Operator Responsibilities
Australian bookmakers must:
- Verify customer age and identity
- Provide responsible gambling tools
- Display problem gambling messaging
- Train staff to identify problem gambling
- Exclude problem gamblers when requested
Advertising Restrictions
Australian law restricts gambling advertising to protect consumers:
- No inducements or bonus offers in public advertising
- Mandatory responsible gambling warnings
- Restrictions on when gambling ads can be shown
- Requirements for clear terms and conditions
Educational Resources
Understanding Gambling Odds
Knowledge is power. Understanding how odds work can help you make informed decisions:
- House Edge: Every bet has a built-in advantage for the bookmaker
- Probability: Odds reflect likelihood, not certainty
- Value: Look for bets where odds exceed the true probability
- Variance: Short-term results can vary wildly from expectations
Budgeting for Entertainment
Treat betting like any other entertainment expense:
- Set aside only money you can afford to lose
- Consider it the cost of entertainment, not an investment
- Track your spending to stay aware
- Stop when your budget is gone
Remember: Gambling should enhance your enjoyment of sport, not create stress or financial problems.
18+ only. If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, don't wait. Support is available 24/7 through Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858