Even though gambling is a fun activity, sometimes it can turn into a destructive addiction. It is significant to set boundaries and adhere to the rules of responsible gambling, so that online casinos and the products they offer do not become a threat to our welfare. This guide, made by our experts, aims to help and educate Aussie gamblers about responsible gambling.
Responsible gambling is a multidimensional term that encompasses various regulations and specifications applicable to all gaming stakeholders. These rules and specifications ensure the best performance standards and a safe customer journey that safeguards against the unanticipated pitfalls of online betting.
Most Australians approach gambling as a source of entertainment, which means they only bet what they can afford to lose, but others find it hard. The activity should be fun rather than an effort to get rich. Seven areas of responsible gambling are harmful to the industry of online gambling where security remains paramount: prevention of underage gambling; protection of vulnerable players, ensuring internet transaction security and reliable digital environment, safeguarding private information, promoting responsible and ethical advertising, implementing measures to stop illegal activities in this sector.
If you feel out of control with yourself, both mentally and financially, then you might become addicted to gambling.
There are some people who easily succumb to gambling and the situation is even worse if there is a chance of real winnings at stake. When the anticipation of winning and the fear of losing are combined, these feelings stimulate a strong release of dopamine, so it is easy to fall into the dopamine trap.
A certain amount of consistency is enough for this behaviour to become ingrained. It becomes extremely difficult to resist the urge to gamble, even if it has real negative consequences and directly affects the quality of life.
To conquer addiction, the first step lies in recognising the signs of problem gambling. There are some specific signs of problem gambling that you need to be on the lookout for and overcome a gambling addiction. We can help you know if your loved one has developed a gambling complication. In fact, these signs may not be visible until financial issues pop up. Let us examine them.
One predictable indication of a gambling problem is financial trouble. The economic consequences of a dependency on betting can be severe and involve mounting debt, financial insecurity, reduced disposable income, joblessness, and loss of shelter or property, among other things. Listed below are some financial warning signals that may indicate compulsive gaming.
Gambling addiction, like other forms of addiction, often reveals itself through negative behavioral outcomes. These warning signs can be identified by examining the emotional and behavioral patterns of individuals who gamble.
When they become addicted, bettors cannot stop thinking about their last game or future bets. To get money for betting purposes, any reason will do, while they will go to any extent. Such individuals have been known to spend so much time on gaming, thus leading to:
Gambling addiction is now acknowledged as a medical condition, having been incorporated into the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on June 18, 2018. It's vital to remember that patterns of gambling addiction can vary greatly, and a formal diagnosis of this clinical disorder can only be provided by certified professionals.
When it comes to gambling, many individuals are prone to various unhealthy habits that can negatively impact their financial and emotional well-being. Let's look at some effective ways to avoid unhealthy gambling habits and maintain control over your gambling activities.
You should set weekly or monthly deposit limits. The amount you will set should be the money you can afford to lose. This will help you monitor the amount you've spent on gambling and it's an easier way of incurring a great money loss.
Sticking to your bankroll budget doesn't necessarily imply staying within it. Instead, it implies that you should never place a wager worth more than your daily spending limit. If you have trouble with this, you might need to set up procedures to prevent yourself from obtaining extra funds.
Whenever you lose, you can feel tempted to try to make up for it. When a session is coming to a conclusion and you are unable to quit, the desire may become even more powerful. Due to the risk of increasing your deficit, you should never try to recuperate from losses.
Any kind of alcohol or drug can mess with your mind state and influence you to take unwise and irresponsible decisions which may lead to unfortunate consequences. Play with your mind clean, calm and sober.
By establishing loss limitations, you may exert better discipline over your gambling. For a chosen period, set a cap on the money you could waste. The cap may be set for daily, weekly, monthly, or an entire year.
Gambling may not be the best idea when you’re feeling angry, stressed or upset since this can influence you to take bad and unwise decisions, and the consequences may make you feel even worse.
You should keep in mind how your play is going. Track your wins and losses regularly to help you decide when to stop placing bets so you will not lose more cash.
The choice of whether to dwell in capital adequacy or instability may depend on receiving proper help from a psychological health or addiction specialist. Comprehensive treatment techniques can help you improve the abilities you already have while also teaching you how to avoid gambling. as early as possible. Much greater, you can attend a support network while getting professional assistance.
Overcoming a gambling addiction can be challenging, but it is possible with the right approach and support. Here are some steps you can take to overcome a gambling addiction:
The first step in overcoming a gambling addiction is acknowledging that you have a problem. This can be difficult, but it is essential to getting the help you need.
There are many resources available for people struggling with gambling addiction, including therapists, support groups, and hotlines. A mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
It is important to identify the triggers that lead to your gambling addiction. Common triggers include stress, boredom, and loneliness.
To replace your gambling addiction, you can develop new habits that help you cope with stress or boredom. This can include exercising, reading, or pursuing a new hobby.
Limiting your access to money can help you control your gambling addiction. This can include setting a budget, using prepaid methods or vouchers instead of debit cards, and avoiding online gambling sites.
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family members can help you stay accountable and motivated. Consider joining a support group for people with gambling addiction.
Remember, overcoming a gambling addiction is a process that takes time and effort. Don't be too hard on yourself if you have setbacks, and always reach out for help when you need it. Try to use all the responsible gambling tips stated above.
The gambling problem is spread widely around Australia, affecting not only adults but also underage people. Children may discover gambling through their parents, other family members, or friends, which may lead them to follow the example of their environment.
Gambling addiction can negatively influence the child and lead to such problems as financial problems, mental health problems, physical health problems, or family violence. Such behavioural patterns as changes in sleep and appetite, moodiness and tiredness, money landing from family members and friends, and developing bad habits such as smoking, drinking, or drug usage may be the signs of your child developing a gambling problem. To prevent it from happening or developing further, make sure to follow the next steps:
Explain to your child how gambling works: gambling may be all fun and games in the beginning, but turn into a huge issue if you don’t have the right approach to gaming. It may not be easy and comfortable to discuss such a topic, but it’s important to explain to your children all the risks.
It is significant to make sure your child does not have access to your credit or debit card or any other payment options.
To prevent your child from gambling, you can block advertisements that promote casinos, and the websites of casinos themselves, using special blocking software. You also can enable parental control for your child’s devices to control the time they spend online.
To replace your gambling addiction, you can develop new habits that help you cope with stress or boredom. This can include exercising, reading, or pursuing a new hobby.
It’s significant not only to recognize the bad signs mentioned adobe, but also to remain their biggest supporter, remind them that you love them no matter what and follow their recovery process. It is very possible that you may descry the potential problem by simply talking and listening to your children.
This article mentions several ways people with a developing or developed gambling issue can consider when trying to get rid of their addiction, including a helpline for children.
There are options provided to Aussies that can help right away if you think you or anyone you know may be experiencing a gambling addiction. Among these options are specialised counselling services, psychological support programs, and recommendations for self-monitoring and limiting participation in games.
An online support service to help people struggling with a gambling problem. Open 24/7, offers counselling and digital recovery resources.
Australian support service providing help for gambling problems, including counselling, education and self-referral resources.
Nationwide organisation providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Help available by phone and online.
Gamblers Anonymous Australia site, supporting meetings around the country and online to help people overcome gambling addiction.
Site offering information and resources to combat gambling problems in New South Wales, Australia. Includes a telephone support line.
Relationships Australia Queensland's gambling help program offers counselling, therapy, and education to combat gambling problems.
| If immediate assistance required, call: | |
|---|---|
| Lifeline Australia | 📞 13-11-14 |
| National Gambling Helpline | 📞 1-800-858-858 |
| Free Financial Counselling | 📞 1-800-007-007 |
| Kids Helpline | 📞 1-800-551-800 |
As you already know, Australia is one of the leading countries in terms of gambling popularity. With $18 billion of total gambling winning gross, our motherland is the sixth biggest gambling country after the USA, the UK, Japan, Italy, and Singapore. Additionally, considering the fact that according to the latest survey of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, three out of four Australians gambled in the past 12 months, the Australian government must have taken some responsible gambling measures to prevent ubiquitous gambling addiction.
The law concerns such activities as online casinos, slot machines, and poker, online betting services allowing in-play betting on live sports, online betting services with no license, instant lotteries, as well as providing credits by certain online betting companies. These activities are prohibited by the interactive gambling laws.
Since 2021, Australian gamblers have not been allowed to use credit cards as a deposit or withdrawal method in any licensed online casino. It was strengthened with the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Act 2023, which added fines for non-compliance and extended powers of regulation in order to cover external territories and acts outside Australia. The ban includes transactions made directly via credit cards and electronic wallets. Note that lottery services are not subject to the prohibition, as they are considered a low-risk gambling activity.
If you want to learn more details about Australian gambling regulations, visit our page, Gambling Laws.
Responsible gambling tools play a critical role in preventing and addressing gambling-related problems. They allow people to manage and control their gambling behaviour. Two key tools in this regard are the self-exclusion and filtering tools described below, which will help you manage unpleasant consequences.
If you feel like you are having a gambling problem and want to know how to stay away from pokies, the easiest way could be to close your casino account or use a built-in tool for self-exclusion.
Self-exclusion is a voluntary process where an individual associated with gambling voluntarily excludes themselves from specific gaming venues or online providers. Information on how to set up self-exclusion can be found on Australian gambling sites. You can download and fill out a self-exclusion application form from the sites for online casinos. Typically, look for this in the Responsible Gambling or Self-Exclusion section.
The following responsible gambling platforms often encourage users to make the most out of self-exclusion by providing additional support. This may include offering contact details for gambling helplines, educational materials on responsible gambling, and referrals to counselling services for those seeking professional assistance.
Moreover, in the case of casino tools, you may lock your account at a specific casino or casinos and, to make it more complicated, include all betting and gambling sites into the stop list. This is because closing one account does not prevent you from opening another one at a different casino. Hence, this is why self-exclusion apps and services provide a proactive approach to managing gambling behaviour, letting users manage their game-playing activities themselves. These tools are designed to enhance people’s autonomy by allowing them to opt out of gambling platforms on their own terms.
As soon as you sign up, those details are then shared securely with participating bookmakers. This way, any attempt to create another or use an existing account will be declined by these providers. Additionally, BetStop offers helplines for emotional and financial support, as well as resources that promote responsible gambling education beyond self-exclusion. Using these services helps users maintain an acceptable level of engagement with gaming, according to the platform. Through such measures, however, BetStop does not cover everyone who plays casinos, but it aims at putting power back in consumers’ hands while also creating a barrier against potential gambling problems that might arise from being uncontrolled. Consequently, this Australian initiative is a significant step forward in responsible gambling practices.
Available at the following platforms: Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android, Kindle Fire, Huawei Devices (via AppGallery)
The registry gives real-time updates of blacklisted platforms using advanced technology which makes it impossible for somebody else to circumvent its provisions regardless of the mode chosen. Moreover, they have information material that educates parents about youth gambling so that they may protect their children from future issues related to this matter. The app includes an anonymous feedback option for users to report any non-compliant platforms. Thus, this is an approach that not only offers protection but also allows the community to participate in curbing online gambling risks, making it a safer digital environment.
Available at the following platforms: Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android
Special programs allow you to block all internet traffic to and from gambling sites. They can also help you avoid seeing gambling ads and even gambling-related search results, so you won't be tempted to start gambling again. So, we can say the following services provide reliable protection and control over access to inappropriate or harmful sites.
Net Nanny works by using an Internet filter that blocks search results containing specific keywords. This parental control service provides real-time reports on children's internet searches and application usage. The system alerts you to malicious content. Net Nanny also allows you to manage screen time and block specific applications on your child's device. With these comprehensive features, Net Nanny creates a safer digital environment for families, making it a trusted partner in keeping kids safe online. The app is paid, with subscriptions based on the number of devices served.
Available at the following platforms: Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android, Kindle Fire
It is a comprehensive self-exclusion tool to combat gambling addiction. It uses powerful website and application blockers to proactively prevent access to gambling platforms, reducing temptation and promoting healthier online behaviour. Easy to install, it is able to detect and respond to prolonged casino activity. The service uses advanced algorithms and heuristics to constantly update blacklists, preventing access to unpublished sites and stopping the installation of gambling applications. Its robust software can withstand factory resets, eliminating the possibility of uninstallation. Discounts are available when protecting multiple devices, and licenses are available for both personal and corporate use.
Available at the following platforms: Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android
A number of Australian banks and financial institutions have recently introduced a feature that allows customers to ban gambling on their credit and debit cards. In this article, we provide an overview of the options currently offered to customers of some Australian banks.
All debit cards meeting the criteria can use the gambling restriction function. The Gambling Lock can be enabled using Online Banking, where you would select it under the Card Services menu. Alternatively, contact our Customer Service team. More details are available in your relevant Terms and Conditions for your specific credit or debit card.
| Helpline: | Working Hours: |
|---|---|
| 📞 13-22-66 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
Among other initiatives, Commbank offers a six-month block on bank gambling with all Commbank Mastercard debits by individuals who have gambling issues. Commbank well-being consultants’ team maintains secrecy while providing help with debts, preventing any transactions regarding poker machines and cash on my cards and then putting me in touch with other support services.
| Helpline: | Working Hours: |
|---|---|
| 📞 1800-222-387 | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
The NAB app allows credit cardholders to turn gambling restrictions on and off, including sports betting, casino games, lotteries, and online gambling. Such restrictions may be set through the Usage Controls part of the card. Once changes are submitted, it will take 48 hours to see preferences updated. There is an ability to cancel such request if needed. Once a limitation is placed on one card, this will automatically apply to all related cards.
| Helpline: | Working Hours: |
|---|---|
| 📞 1300-308-175 | 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
To maintain personal budgets that assist in avoiding gambling transactions, you can block Gambling through your credit or debit cards. By using Card Services in online banking or calling a customer service line, you can activate this feature. This measure prevents financial constraints arising from problem gambling-related matters. Joint account holders only are entitled to switch on/off their respective security systems for these cards, It is important that the terms and conditions of your card are read prior to using the tool.
| Helpline: | Working Hours: |
|---|---|
| 📞 132-032 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
Use the Block Gambling feature to regulate spending by disallowing gambling transactions on your cards. Enable it via your online bank's Card Services or via Customer Support service. This protection will help prevent gambling problems. Only joint account holders can use it for their cards. Please check the conditions and terms of your card before you begin using the product.
| Helpline: | Working Hours: |
|---|---|
| 📞 13-22-73 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
The bank provides a tool for blocking off gambling transactions with its customers to limit their spending on betting and online casinos. To enable Block Gambling, go to Internet Banking and activate the gambling block from the Card Services Menu, or call the helpline number.
| Helpline: | Working Hours: |
|---|---|
| 📞 13-33-30 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday |
Overcoming a gambling addiction is just the beginning. It takes ongoing effort and commitment to stay on the path of recovery and resist the urge to gamble again. With the widespread availability of online gambling platforms, staying away from gambling can be challenging, but there are numerous alternatives to gambling that one can explore, even if they are not struggling with addiction.
| Reason For Gambling | Alternative to Gambling |
|---|---|
| Thrilling sensation accompanied by a surge of adrenaline | There are activities and hobbies that can give you similar feelings. To mention some examples: rock climbing, mountain biking, go-kart racing, bungee jumping, rafting, and paragliding. |
| Communal dimension to it as you engage with other individuals | However, it is impossible to avoid your problems completely. Still, there are ways to deal with these situations positively. Therapy might be beneficial, while self-help approaches to handling stress can also be embraced through mindfulness, like meditation or physical exercise. |
| Allows you to forget about your problems and unwind after a long day | Although one may not be able to escape their problems altogether, they can always find ways to handle them better. This includes therapy, self-help techniques such as meditation and engaging in exercises for physical fitness in life. |
| Helps alleviate feelings of boredom and loneliness | Find a passion that excites you, such as music, art, sports, literature, or other leisure activities, and look for people who share your interests. |
| The mistaken belief that gambling can help solve financial problems | In gambling, the odds are always stacked against the gambler, as implied by a popular saying. The entire activity is based purely on luck, which makes winning every time not possible at all. Getting help from financial advisers is crucial when any debts have occurred. |
Having a gambling addiction is scary and complicated, but seeing your loved ones losing themselves because of this while feeling absolutely helpless is also a hard challenge to take. Let’s try to discover how to help people with gambling addiction.
The nature and motives of addiction to anything, whether it's gambling, alcohol or a drug, cannot be fully understood by people who are not addicted. Try to understand that the person you want to help if struggling and is not able to have full control over their actions and decisions. It may require a lot of patience, but there’s no need to judge, verbally or physically abuse them – try to simply talk instead and offer them your support.
It’s important to discuss with the addicted person what consequences their actions may lead to. Try to avoid confrontation and find a calm and nice way of explaining how their addiction may affect you, their family and friends, and their life in general.
If the addiction is completely taking over the person, and you feel that your help if not enough – propose ways of receiving professional support for that person. This article mentions several options for people with gambling addiction.
The addiction can be recognised by such signs as lying about money spending, unsuccessful attempts to quit gambling, financial problems, and developing mental health issues.
People start to gamble for different reasons: depression, boredom, lack of socialization or stress. Our article covers the “Alternatives to Gambling” topic, explaining how to replace the addiction with other activities, such as meditating or sports.
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