If gambling is starting to feel like a problem rather than entertainment, you're not alone, and help is available. Betfair provides control tools to help you stay in charge, and Australian support services are here whenever you need them.
Why responsible gambling matters
Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money or escape problems. When it stops being fun, or when you're spending more time or money than you intended, it's time to step back. The good news is that recognising the signs early makes it easier to regain control.
Setting limits before you start playing is the single most effective way to keep gambling enjoyable. Decide what you can afford to lose, how much time you'll spend, and stick to those boundaries.
Signs gambling is getting out of hand
Watch for these behaviours in yourself:
- Spending more money than you planned, or chasing losses
- Borrowing money to gamble, or using funds meant for bills
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when you're not gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships because of gambling
- Lying about how much time or money you've spent
Any one of these is worth paying attention to. If several apply, it's time to reach out for support.
Questions worth asking yourself
Take a moment to answer these honestly:
- Do you gamble longer than you intended?
- Have you tried to cut back but found it difficult?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to stop?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gambling?
- Has gambling caused problems in your relationships?
- Do you gamble to escape worry, guilt, or depression?
- Have you lied to cover up the extent of your gambling?
- Do you feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts to get the same thrill?
More than one "yes" suggests gambling may be affecting your life. That's not a diagnosis, but it is a reason to consider the tools and support below.
Betfair's control tools
We offer five tools to help you manage your play:
Deposit Limit
Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month. Once the limit is reached, you won't be able to add more funds until the period resets. This is the most direct way to control spending.
Loss Limit
Cap how much you can lose in a given timeframe. The system tracks your net losses and stops you from playing further once the threshold is hit.
Time Out
Take a short break from gambling. You can set a Time Out for 24 hours, 48 hours, a week, or longer. During this period, your account remains open but you cannot place bets or play games.
Gaming Time Check
Receive reminders after a set period of continuous play. These alerts help you stay aware of how long you've been active, so you can decide whether to keep going or take a break.
Self Exclusion
Close your access for a minimum of six months, or permanently. Self-exclusion is the strongest tool available and cannot be reversed once set. If you choose this option, we will also attempt to block access to linked Paddy Power accounts. As of 8 June 2022, self-exclusion is replicated across Sky Betting and Gaming and PokerStars accounts for matched customers in certain regions. As of 19 December 2024, exclusions are also replicated with tombola.
All of these tools are applied through your account settings on the operator's platform. Once a limit or exclusion is in place, it cannot be removed or increased immediately, which protects you from impulsive decisions.
Practical limits that work
Here are steps you can take today:
- Set a budget before you log in and treat it as the cost of entertainment, not money you'll win back.
- Never gamble with borrowed money, credit cards, or funds meant for rent, bills, or groceries.
- Use a timer or set an alarm on your phone to remind you when your session should end.
- Take regular breaks — step away from the screen every 30 minutes, even if you're winning.
- Don't chase losses. If you've hit your budget, stop for the day rather than trying to win it back.
- Talk to someone you trust about your gambling. Keeping it secret makes it harder to stay in control.
Where to get help in Australia
National Gambling Helpline
Call 1800 858 858 any time, day or night, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential, and staffed by trained counsellors who understand gambling problems. You can also access free online chat and email counselling through Gambling Help Online.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register
Visit betstop.gov.au to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers at once. Registration is free and managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). You can choose to exclude yourself for a minimum of three months, or for life. BetStop covers licensed wagering providers and does not extend to online casino games, which are not lawfully provided in Australia.
International support organisations
You may also find help through Gamblers Anonymous, a fellowship of people who share their experiences and support one another in staying away from gambling, or Gambling Therapy, which offers online support and counselling worldwide.
Blocking software
BetBlocker and Gamban are applications you can install on your devices to block access to gambling sites. BetBlocker is free; Gamban charges a subscription fee. Both work across computers, tablets, and smartphones, and can be set for a fixed period to prevent you from removing them impulsively.
Protecting minors
Access to gambling services is restricted to adults 18+. If you have children or young people in your household, consider enabling parental controls on your devices and internet connection. These tools can block gambling sites and prevent minors from accessing age-restricted content.
Talk openly with young people about the risks of gambling. Normalising the conversation helps them make informed decisions as they grow older.
Questions about support
If you have questions about the responsible gambling tools available through your account, or need guidance on setting limits, contact the operator's support team. For general information about this page or the resources listed here, you can reach the editorial team at [email protected].
We cannot resolve your account, process self-exclusion requests, or modify limits on your behalf. Those actions must be taken directly through the operator's platform or by contacting their support channels.
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it's become anything other than that, the tools and services above are here to help you find your way back.
This site is informational in nature. We do not operate a casino, accept bets, or organise gambling. Access is restricted to users 18+ only. If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit betstop.gov.au.
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