Balancing Risk and Fun: Understanding 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.
The Addictive Nature of 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.
Based on research made by AGRC (Australian Gambling Research Centre) most Australians expressed concern about the availability of gambling and its impacts on the community, believing that there are 'too many opportunities for gambling nowadays' (77%) and that gambling is 'dangerous for family life' (68%) and 'should be discouraged' (59%). Among those who gambled, almost half (46%) were classified as being at some risk of gambling harm.
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.
Signs of Problem Gambling
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.
Financial Signs
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.
- Vanished household goods and possessions
- Lacking money while earning a steady paycheck
- Getting multiple loans open at once
- Unresolved bills
- Routinely taking out loans
- Keeping financial records private
Mood and Behavioural Signs
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.
- Hostile when barred from gambling
- Angry and anxious while not gambling
- Mood swings, including severe anxiety and depression
- Difficulty regulating the behaviour of certain processes as well
- Using falsehoods and threats to control other people
Time Indications
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 for longer periods
- Lengthy completion times for simple jobs
- Never on time for appointments
- Frequently takes leave from work to gamble
- Neglecting personal relationships and social activities
Assessing Your Gambling Addiction: the Quiz
Gambling addiction is now acknowledged as a medical condition, having been incorporated into the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization (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.
Avoiding Unhealthy Gamblers Habits
When it comes to gambling, many individuals are prone to various unhealthy habits that can negatively impact their financial and emotional well-being. Here are some effective ways to avoid unhealthy gambling habits and maintain control over your gambling activities:
Key Strategies for Overcoming Gambling Addiction
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:
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.
Keeping Children Safe
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.
Australian Gambling Research Centre states that about 5% of 16-17 year-olds reported betting on sports games as well as horse and dog races which have strict age restrictions. Even though it's not legal, about 2% of 16-17 year-olds reported having spent money on poker machines, casino table games and Keno.
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 behavioral 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 next steps:
Problem Gambling Support
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.
If immediate assistance required, call: | |
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Lifeline Australia | 📞 13-11-14 |
National Gambling Helpline | 📞 1-800-858-858 |
Free Financial Counseling | 📞 1-800-007-007 |
Kids Helpline | 📞 1-800-551-800 |
It is possible that there are social communities or self-help groups that operate in your area. They may be able to help you more effectively.
Responsible Gambling Measures in Australia
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 IGA 2001
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.
Prohibition of Credit Card Use
Since 2021, Australian gamblers are not 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, that 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.
Taking Control of Your Gambling
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.
Built-In Casino Tools
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.
Self-Exclusion Program
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.
- Supported by the government
- Great coverage of gambling providers
- Easy access to counseling support
- Limited functionality on some platforms
Available at following platforms: |
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Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android, Kindle Fire, Huawei Devices (via AppGallery) |
- Self-exclusion and Parent modes
- Own base of gambling sites
- Free to use
- Some sites may malfunction
Available at following platforms: |
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Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android |
- Unable to uninstall or cancel blocking during subscription period
- Ease of use and customizationSupport on various platforms
- Available on a subscription basis
Filtration Systems
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.
Available at following platforms: |
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Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android, Kindle Fire |
- Effectively block unwanted content online
- Constant updates to combat new threats
- Convenient parental monitoring and filtering controls
- Possible false positives and blocking of useful content
Available at following platforms: |
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Windows, Mac & iOS, Linux, Android |
- Сannot be circumvented by using a VPN
- Allows blocking gambling on smartphones
- Is available as one or more licenses for personal users
- Uninstalling the program is not allowed, which may cause inconvenience
Australian Banks Blocking Gambling Transactions
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.
Generally, the ban will take effect immediately upon request. However, the time it takes for the blocking to be canceled can vary, but usually is at most two business days. Credit/debit card gambling blocking methods vary by bank or financial institution. In most cases, customers must submit a request, but some organizations provide the option to activate the feature via a mobile app.
Helpline: | Working Hours: |
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📞 13-22-66 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
- Availability of gambling block via online banking
Helpline: | Working Hours: |
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📞 1800-222-387 | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
- Additional support services
- Dedicated wellbeing team
Helpline: | Working Hours: |
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📞 1300-308-175 | 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
- Availability of gambling block via online banking
- 48-Hour block delay cancellation
Helpline: | Working Hours: |
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📞 132-032 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
- Availability of gambling block via online banking
Helpline: | Working Hours: |
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📞 13-22-73 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday |
- Availability of gambling block via online banking
Helpline: | Working Hours: |
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📞 13-33-30 | 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday |
- Availability of gambling block via online banking
Alternatives to Gambling
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 |
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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. |
How to Help Someone Stop Gambling
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.

John Gold
Editor-in-chief
Starting as a typical gambler, I was interested in how the industry works. And now, for more than 10 years, I see myself as a gambling expert. After trying out more than 500 pokies, I'm ready to share my insights and tell you what you need to look at to get a good gaming experience.