Online gambling has surged in popularity in recent years, becoming a widespread phenomenon in Australia, where over $23 billion is spent annually on various gambling activities. While many see it as a form of entertainment, for some, it can become a harmful habit with serious consequences. Surveys indicate that nearly 40% of Australians gamble at least once a week, and almost half of those who gamble are at risk of experiencing harm.
Keeping yourself in check when practicing this pastime is not only crucial but necessary. Granted, you may think you have your frequency in gambling habits under control, but it’s easy for things to spiral without realizing it. That’s where Australia’s responsible gambling programs step in, offering vital tools and resources to help players maintain a healthy relationship with betting.
From self-exclusion programs and spending limits to counseling services and awareness campaigns, these initiatives ensure that individuals can enjoy gambling without it becoming a problem. Popular resource site for online casinos, AussieBonuses, has a useful and informative Responsible Gambling page that’s worth a read. Alongside national and state-based measures, such resources empower players with knowledge, guiding them toward safer, more responsible gambling habits.
Join us as we explore how Australian online gamblers can stay in control with problem gambling programs and why the industry needs to change.
What is Problem Gambling
Let’s be honest; who wouldn’t be tempted by the excitement and promise of life-changing wins that gambling operators constantly promote? A little gambling now and then isn’t necessarily a problem, as long as you stay in control. But when what started as a harmless pastime begins to dictate your life, that’s when it can become dangerous.
If you are not careful, gambling can gradually take over, impacting your relationships, job, and financial stability. Like anything in excess, gambling can become harmful, with severe consequences—especially when it starts draining you both emotionally and financially.
Many people struggling with gambling tend to deny or downplay the issue, often hiding their behavior from themselves and others. They may lie about the time or money spent gambling or convince themselves it’s not causing harm. However, the first step to regaining control is recognizing the following signs:
Emotional Crutch
Life can be overwhelming, even in the best of times, especially when you're constantly trying to keep up with the latest news or falling into the habit of doom-scrolling. The endless stream of negative information can heighten stress and anxiety, making it difficult to find balance. While some people may turn to comfort food or exercise as a way to cope, others may choose gambling as an outlet to escape the pressure.
However, relying on gambling as a coping mechanism is not advisable. While it may provide a temporary distraction, gambling often becomes a form of avoidance rather than addressing the root causes of your emotions. Instead of confronting the stressors directly, gambling can mask the problem, leaving you vulnerable to deeper emotional issues and more severe consequences.
Sole Focus
When gambling becomes your sole focus, it can quickly spiral into a problem. If you find yourself constantly thinking about gambling—whether it's planning your next bet or reflecting on past losses—even when you should be focusing on other important areas of your life, such as work or spending time with family and friends, it’s a sign that gambling is taking up too much of your mental space and energy.
Additionally, if you notice that you're spending more and more time gambling while neglecting activities you once enjoyed—like playing sports, socializing, or engaging in hobbies—this can signal that gambling is starting to dominate your life. When gambling begins to overshadow the things that once brought you joy and fulfillment, it's a clear indication that it's no longer a healthy pastime but rather a harmful obsession that could have serious consequences for your well-being and relationships.
Strained Relationships
No one likes to experience losses, but when you’ve dedicated so much of your life to gambling, it can take a serious toll on your emotional well-being. It can make you more agitated and less patient, leading to more arguments and strained relationships.
Loved ones may feel hurt or betrayed if they discover that you’re hiding the extent of your gambling or prioritizing it overspending time with them. As gambling takes over, it can cause frustration, resentment, and mistrust. In some cases, this can even lead to relationship breakdowns if it’s not addressed. The pressure of gambling problems can also push people away, leaving you feeling isolated.
Financial Woes
One clear sign of problem gambling is financial trouble. If you’re using money meant for essential expenses—like bills, rent, or groceries—to fund gambling, that’s a serious red flag. When gambling starts causing financial instability or accumulating debt, it’s a strong indication that the problem is growing. Moreover, borrowing money in hopes of digging yourself out of the financial hole you’ve created is another sign that it’s time to seek help.
Falling into Deceptive Habits
Hiding your gambling or lying about time and money spent often indicates you recognize a problem but are avoiding it. This denial can create a barrier to seeking help and can make the situation worse over time. The longer you conceal the issue, the harder it becomes to break free from the cycle, and the more damage it can do to your finances, relationships, and mental health.
Growing Concern
Problem gambling rates in Australia are alarmingly high, with studies showing that nearly half of those who engage in gambling are at risk of harm. Although the severity of this risk varies, the overall trend is concerning. Men are more likely to experience gambling-related harm, with 53% of male gamblers at risk compared to 38% of females. Adults aged 18-34 are significantly more prone to experiencing gambling-related harm than those aged 55 and older. The risk also increases with the frequency of gambling, with a significant proportion of weekly gamblers considered at risk: 74% in sports betting, 74% in racing, and 83% in pokies.
In response to the growing issue of problem gambling, Australia is implementing reforms at both state and federal levels. For example, the Victorian government introduced the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Precommitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024, which reduces the maximum stake for gambling machines from A$1,000 to A$100. The bill also mandates the use of player cards and requires gamblers to set loss limits, with the default set at A$50, although individuals can adjust this limit as needed. These measures are part of an effort to curb gambling harm and protect vulnerable individuals.
At the federal level, the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering has been established to safeguard online gamblers. This framework includes several key measures, such as banning credit lines and payday lending for gambling, enforcing strict age and identity verification, and limiting promotional offers. It also allows for deposit limits, the creation of a National Self-Exclusion Register, along with ongoing staff training and consistent risk messaging and easier account closure.
However, not all proposed reforms have been fully implemented. For instance, the Australian government recently decided against enacting a complete ban on gambling advertisements, prompting New South Wales to introduce its restrictions on gambling ads in response to growing concerns.
Predatory Industry
Recent research has shown that children as young as eight can easily recognise gambling brands and recall details from gambling advertisements. A major gateway into gambling for young people is through influencers and in-game ads. Many children are first exposed to gambling through links embedded in video games or on YouTube, where influencers promote gambling websites. These ads, often featuring celebrities, present gambling as exciting, normal, and risk-free.
Gambling companies are also taking advantage of technology to make their platforms more engaging for younger audiences. Features like "chat with mates" in betting apps and sponsored TikTok posts encourage social interaction, making gambling seem fun and harmless. These tactics blur the lines between entertainment and risky behaviour, increasing the chances of exposure and involvement for children.
While some young people may recognise that these ads can be misleading, the overall impact is still troubling. The glamorous image of gambling portrayed in these ads sharply contrasts with the real-life consequences, highlighting the urgent need for stricter advertising regulations to protect children from potential harm.
Responsible Gambling Campaigns
Gambling Support SA recently launched its "Stop the Harm" campaign to raise awareness of the harmful effects of risky gambling in South Australia. The campaign challenges the belief that gambling harm only involves serious consequences, such as losing a home or a relationship. It also highlights everyday signs of harm, like feeling irritable or snapping at others after gambling.
As part of the campaign, the organization launched a new website to help people identify early signs of gambling harm, such as missing family meals or being unable to sleep. The website also shares personal stories, self-help tips, and advice on how to approach someone who may be struggling with gambling. The website also provides links to free, confidential services, including face-to-face counselling, financial advice, the Gambling Helpline, and Gambling Help Online. It also offers information on how to self-exclude from gambling, both in-person and online.
Seeking Help
As gambling-related harm continues to rise, Australia offers a range of responsible gambling programs and support services to help individuals manage and reduce the impact of gambling on their lives. These services provide valuable resources for those struggling with gambling addiction, enabling them to identify warning signs and find effective ways to regain control.
Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) offers free, confidential support through both an online chat service and a helpline, providing immediate assistance for those affected by gambling.
Turning Point offers specialized counseling and recovery programs tailored for individuals dealing with gambling addiction. For those affected by someone else's gambling, SHARC (Self Help Resource Centre - 1300 660 068) provides support through an online service or helpline, helping family members and friends cope with the challenges of addiction in their loved ones.
ReachOut.com offers support specifically for young people, providing information about gambling addiction and mental health, with peer workers available for live chat assistance. For broader mental health support, Medicare Mental Health (1800 595 212) connects individuals with local services that offer professional mental health care tailored to their needs.
Lastly, the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) helps individuals struggling with the financial impact of gambling, providing expert advice and guidance on managing debts and working toward financial recovery. These services play a vital role in helping individuals affected by gambling, offering resources and support to help them regain control and improve their quality of life.
Self-Exclusion Registry
BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register, is another key responsible gambling program designed to help individuals regain control over their gambling habits. Launched in August 2023 and managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, BetStop prevents registered individuals from opening new betting accounts, placing wagers, or receiving marketing materials from all licensed Australian online gambling providers. Additionally, any existing accounts are closed upon registration.
The initiative aims to minimize the financial, social, mental, and physical harms linked to gambling. Since its introduction, over 30,000 Australians have enrolled, with 79% of participants under the age of 40. Notably, 39% have chosen a lifetime ban, and 23,000 individuals currently have active exclusions. Research indicates that BetStop may have led to a cost reduction of between $80 million and $135 million within its first year.
As mandated by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, a review of BetStop’s effectiveness is scheduled after its first year of operation. This evaluation will examine its regulatory framework and overall impact on reducing gambling harm, ensuring it continues to support vulnerable individuals effectively.
