Tips to avoid risky gambling

Take some time to consider these tips to avoid risky gambling. If you need to speak to someone, contact the Gambling Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 858 858.

  • Tip 1:

    Gamble for fun, not because you need to make money

    Choose gambling as one of a range of activities. 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. 

  • 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 expenditure – look for patterns or trends.

  • Tip 3:

    Don’t borrow money for gambling

    Never ask other people for money or take out a loan for gambling.

  • Tip 4:

    Set limits with your time. It’s easy to lose track of time

    Set a time of day before which you won’t start placing bets. Choose an ideal duration for play – set a timer to remind you to stop or take a break in play.

  • Tip 5:

    Be aware of risky gambling

    Consider promotional bets carefully, they may be leading you to make riskier bets than you normally would, or to bet on sports you wouldn't normally bet on.

    Switch the phone, tablet or computer off and watch the game for the sporting spectacle it is.

    Don’t mix gambling with heavy drinking 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:

  • Do they offer links to allow you to set deposit limits?

  • Can you review your account activity and examine your bets, losses and wins?

  • Do they offer links to problem gambling self-assessments?

  • Look at their responsible gambling practices, exclusion and pre-commitment options.

Contact us

If gambling has become a problem for you, or someone you care about, get some help. It’s free and confidential.

Call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Click for face-to-face counselling locations

Click for online counselling and real time chat