Tips for safer gambling
These tips can help you practise safer gambling and avoid gambling harm. If you need to speak to someone, confidentially contact the Gambling Helpline 24/7 at 1800 858 858.
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Tip 1:
Gamble for fun, not because you need to make money
It's critical to have other hobbies beyond gambling. Keep up with your other interests, friends, family, and work.
Be aware of your mood and how it affects your gambling. You may find that you gamble more when you are feeling stressed, angry, depressed, or sad.
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Tip 2:
Set limits with your money
Decide in advance the amount of money you will spend on gambling – per month/week etc.
Keep an eye on your current and past spending – look for patterns or trends.
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Tip 3:
Don’t borrow money for gambling
Never ask other people for money or take out a loan for gambling.
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Tip 4:
Set limits with your time. It’s easy to lose track of time
Set start times and finish times for when you will gamble. Choose an ideal duration for play – set a timer to remind you to stop or take a break in play.
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Tip 5:
Be aware of gambling HARM
Consider promotional bets carefully; they may be leading you to make different bets than you normally would, or to bet on sports you wouldn't normally bet on.
Put the phone down and watch the sport for what it is.
Don’t gamble while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Online sports betting
Be careful with bonus bets and promotions: make yourself aware of how bonus bet incentives work.
When choosing an online sports betting agent, consider the following:
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Do they offer options to set deposit limits?
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Do they offer links to gambling harm self-assessments and help?
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Can you review your account activity, including your bets, losses, and wins?
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Look at their safer gambling practices, exclusion, and pre-commitment options.
Contact us
If gambling is impacting your life or a loved one's life, it's okay to reach out for help. It’s free and confidential.
Call the 24/7 Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858
Face-to-face counselling locations
