Responsible gambling: limits, breaks and help
Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money. Set firm money and time limits beforehand, do not chase losses, and use time-outs or self-exclusion if playing becomes a strain. With real money there is no winning guarantee. Free, confidential help is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
Legal age
You must be 18 to gamble anywhere in Australia – the rule is the same in every state and territory, and the operator verifies it during KYC. Keep gambling accounts and devices away from minors.
Tools for self-protection
- Deposit limit: caps how much you can deposit in a given period – for example $100 a week.
- Loss limit: caps possible losses.
- Session limit / reality check: reminds you of your playing time.
- Time-out / cool-off: a short-term block of a day to a few weeks.
- Self-exclusion: a longer or permanent block.
Whether and how these functions are available you check in the account settings of the operator. Note that self-exclusion at Rainbet covers Rainbet only – and, just as importantly, the national register BetStop does not cover offshore sites such as Rainbet.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is free and takes about five minutes to set up. You choose a period from 3 months to a lifetime, and every licensed Australian online and phone bookmaker (around 150 operators) must close your accounts and stop marketing to you. A registration cannot be shortened, and it cannot be cancelled in the first three months. What it cannot do is reach an offshore operator: BetStop does not cover Rainbet or any other site without an Australian licence. If you self-exclude, use the operator’s own tool at Rainbet as well, and consider blocking software on your devices.
Signs of harm
- You play longer or with higher stakes than planned.
- You try to win back losses.
- Gambling puts a strain on your finances, mood or relationships.
- You borrow money, gamble with money meant for bills, or hide your gambling from people close to you.
Finding help in Australia
Help is free, confidential and available around the clock – you do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to call. Details verified on 8 September 2026.
| Service | Who it is for | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | National, 24/7, free – phone counselling and online chat | 1800 858 858 · gamblinghelponline.org.au |
| BetStop | National self-exclusion from all licensed Australian bookmakers (not offshore sites) | betstop.gov.au |
| Gambler’s Help | Victoria – counselling, financial counselling, support for family | gamblershelp.com.au |
| GambleAware NSW | New South Wales – local services and self-help tools | gambleaware.nsw.gov.au |
Every other state and territory runs its own service, reachable through the national line on 1800 858 858. Gamblers Anonymous also holds meetings across Australia. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, get support. That is a sign of strength, not of weakness.
Frequently asked questions
In the account settings of the operator, where offered – for example a deposit, loss or session limit. Set it before you play.
A voluntary block of your account for a chosen period, to force a break. At Rainbet it covers Rainbet only; BetStop covers all licensed Australian bookmakers but not offshore sites.
No. BetStop applies to bookmakers licensed in Australia. Rainbet is an offshore operator and is not part of the register – use the operator’s own self-exclusion and blocking software instead.
From Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24/7, by phone or chat. In Victoria also Gambler’s Help, in New South Wales GambleAware NSW.
18 in every Australian state and territory.
No. There is no method that guarantees wins. Treat stakes as spending on entertainment.