Responsible Gambling in Australia – Guide for Australian Players
Responsible gambling is an essential term for any form of online and land-based gambling worldwide, Australia included. Regardless of where and what you prefer to play, you should approach these activities with caution. This will help you establish a safer and more enjoyable gambling experience. Now, let’s learn more about the available responsible gambling practices and organisations in the Land Down Under.
What is Considered Responsible Online Gambling in Australia?
So, what is responsible gambling? This is the set of measures taken by the Australian government, NGOs, and players to avoid gambling addictions and minimise gambling harm. A significant portion of the Australian population engages in some gambling activity.
We find this rather interesting considering that the country is not the most liberal one when it comes to the particular sector. According to the gambling laws in Australia and the Interactive Act 2001, online casinos, including offshore operators, are prohibited.
There are a few exceptions, like online lottery and sports betting sites. Australia’s other legal gambling activities are land-based casinos, racetracks, and electronic gaming machines. People are allowed to gamble at licensed operators only.
Who Is and who is NOT Allowed to Gamble Online from Australia?
Within the scope of responsible gambling in Australia, certain groups of people are not allowed to engage in these activities. For others, it is highly inadvisable to gamble. Here’s a detailed list of people who are best to avoid gambling:
- Underaged Australians – The legal gambling age in Australia is 18. People who are younger than this are prohibited from engaging in any of the legal gambling activities in the country.
- People with a history of mental health issues – If practised irresponsibly, gambling can become problematic, leading to complications in case of any pre-existing mental health issues.
- People prone to addictions – People prone to addictions or with a history of addictions of any type tend to be more vulnerable. Therefore, we strongly advise against gambling under such circumstances.
- Australians legally prohibited from gambling – There might be legal reasons for being forbidden from gambling in the country, such as previous offences and specific professions.
To summarise, only Australians aged 18 and older are legally allowed to gamble in the country. You should make safety your number one priority and engage with licensed operators only.
If you have a history of mental health issues or previous addictions, we strongly recommend avoiding gambling altogether. It would be best if you found another hobby that is suitable and safe for you.
Best Practices in Australian Responsible Online Gambling
If you want to develop healthy gambling habits, you should strictly follow the existing guidelines in your country. In Australia, there’s the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering from 2018. It includes these 10 consumer protection measures:
- Prohibition of lines of credit – Interactive wagering service providers are prohibited from offering or providing credit for wagering purposes. The only exception is certain on-course bookmakers.
- Payday lenders – This measure discourages the use of small amount credit contracts for online wagering.
- Customer verification – This measure sets the maximum customer verification period for online wagering to 14 days (or less).
- Restrictions on inducements – All specified inducements (e.g., the offer of any credit, voucher, rewards, or other benefits as an incentive to open an account or refer another person to open an account) are strictly prohibited.
- Account closure – Players can close/cancel their account at any given moment in time.
- Voluntary opt-out pre-commitment scheme – Players pre-commit to deposit limits applicable on an operator basis. This helps them monitor and manage their gambling activities.
- Activity statements – Interactive wagering service providers must deliver meaningful reports on their customers’ wagering activity.
- Consistent gambling messaging – This measure provides for evidence-based, consistent gambling messaging.
- Staff training – This includes training staff in the responsible conduct of online gambling.
- National self-exclusion register – The NSER ensures that anyone experiencing gambling harm can immediately self-exclude from all interactive wagering service providers.
The Australian government and official gambling regulators aim to prevent gambling harm as much as possible and provide relevant assistance. Here are a few other things we recommend you stick to when playing online and offline:
Draw up a Budget
One of the first things that every responsible gambler should do is set up a budget and stick to it. The first evidence of potential gambling addiction is overspending.
Consequently, this may lead to financial and emotional problems. In the worst cases, overspending can even result in bankruptcy and engaging in criminal activities. You must control your impulses and ensure you are not overstepping your budget limits.
Stick to a Time Limit
Another thing to pay attention to is the time you spend gambling. Losing track of that is among the main red flags to look out for. Make sure to set an appropriate time limit.
Reputable software providers include a built-in clock in the game itself which could be helpful. If you manage to set yourself an adequate budget and time limits in the beginning, you can save yourself a lot of trouble later.
Self-Exclude from Gambling
If you’ve come to the conclusion that your gambling habits are becoming problematic, you can and you should use the quick and simple self-exclusion process. Here are a few more responsible gambling tips from us:
- Set a Mental Barrier on Gambling Urges – If you start to experience some negative consequences from gambling, then you must try and set a mental barrier on your gambling urges by minimising or entirely eliminating these activities.
- Seek Self-Exclusion Help from a Responsible Gambling Entity – If you are unable to resist your gambling urges, then you should seek assistance from any of the responsible gambling organisations in Australia. Their sole purpose is to identify and help with gambling addictions.
- Refer to Gambling Site for Self-Exclusion Options – The last step would be to contact your preferred gambling operator and request to activate the self-exclusion option for a specific period of time. Previously we mentioned that this could be anywhere between 3 months and permanently.
Before starting your gambling journey, you must get familiar with your options and prepare for every situation. We’ll say it again – your own personal safety and security should be your number one priority. This will benefit your overall gambling experience.
Consider your limitations mentally, financially, and time-wise. If you’ve battled addictions in the past, then gambling is probably something you should avoid. Monitor closely for the early signs of problem gambling.
Some of these include overspending and losing track of time. Make sure to take the necessary steps before this becomes a significant issue with severe consequences for you and your loved ones.
Set Yourself Concrete Limitations to Gambling
It’s become quite obvious that Australian players have plenty of measures available to keep their gambling habits in check. We’ve already mentioned some of the things you can do, and now, we’ll add a few more to the list:
- Take Regular Breaks
- Don’t Drink Alcohol While Gambling
- Set a Limit on Potential Losses
- Play Games You Are Familiar With
- Set Yourself Strict Betting Limits
- Focus on Other Hobbies
You have to make a plan before gambling and do your research into the responsible gambling practices in Australia. Besides everything we’ve already discussed, you can do many other things that may work for your particular needs.
Get creative and choose healthy ways to avoid gambling addiction. Always set time, deposit, and loss limits. Play games that are suitable for your gambling preferences and style, and make sure you know the rules.
Remember – gambling is all about fun. If you notice that this activity is becoming stressful and anxiety-inducing, that would be your cue to stop and get help. Take responsible conduct of gambling in Australia seriously to stay safe.
Seek Assistance for Gambling Addiction
If you feel like you’re suffering from potential gambling addiction and can’t seem to overcome it by yourself, then please seek assistance immediately. That’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
Waiting or ignoring the problem may lead to severe issues like bankruptcy, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Gambling addiction is in no way different than any other form of addiction.
This is why it is considered such a serious issue by the Australian government, and there are so many responsible gambling organisations in the country with the sole purpose of helping players if required.
Australian Responsible Gambling Organisations & Regulators
In the next sections of this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most reputable regulators and responsible gambling organisations in Australia. We’ll also share helpful details about each of them.
ACT – Gambling & Racing Commission
First, we have the Australian Capital Territory – ACT Gambling & Racing Commission. The Commission was established under section 5 of the Gambling and Racing Control Act 1999.
The main duties of the Commission are the supervision of the gambling and racing activities in the Australian Capital Territory, the research on the effects of gambling on the community, and harm prevention.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | ACT – Gambling & Racing Commission |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | ACT Gambling & Racing Commission, Access Canberra, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601 |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | (02) 6207 0359 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | N/A |
| 💻 Website | www.gamblingandracing.act.gov.au |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Prevention and reduction of gambling harm |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
There is a free confidential helpline provided by the Act – Gambling and Racing Commission. You can contact them via phone and a dedicated online enquiry form on the website.
Liquor & Gaming NSW
Formed on February 1st, 2016, this is the authority responsible for the regulation of registered clubs, liquor sales, gambling, and racing in New South Wales. It replaced the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing and the Independent, Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA).
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Liquor & Gaming NSW |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Liquor & Gaming NSW, GPO Box 7060, Sydney NSW 2001 |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | 1300 024 720 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | contact.us@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au |
| 💻 Website | www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Regulation of registered clubs, liquor sales, gambling, and racing |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | No |
Some of Liquor & Gaming NSW’s main objectives include education on the importance of practising all gambling activities responsibly and providing support to those who need it. You can contact the agency via email and phone.
Gambler’s Help
Gambler’s Help is one of the most prominent responsible gambling organisations in Australia. It consists of several community organisations in Victoria. Gambler’s Help provides access to 24/7 phone and online support, face-to-face counselling, and financial counselling.
All services are completely free for Victorians. Gambler’s Help has a range of agencies throughout the territory of the state, so you can meet with professional counsellors and receive proper help and assistance.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Gambler’s Help |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Many offices across Victoria |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | 1800 858 858 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | N/A |
| 💻 Website | www.gamblershelp.com.au |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Encourage responsible gambling and provide support to players |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
The organisation gives you access to many useful articles, discussing possible tools you can use to reduce your gambling and regain control. Family and friends of people with gambling addiction problems can also seek assistance from Gambler’s Help.
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
The Foundation was established under the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011. It monitors the responsible conduct of gambling in the state of Victoria. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation provides funding for Gambler’s Help.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Level 6, 14–20 Blackwood Street North Melbourne, Victoria 3051 |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | (03) 9452 2600 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | contact@responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au |
| 💻 Website | www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Research on gambling hard, prevention, early detection, intervention, and support |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
The main objective of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is to support people affected by gambling harm. It does that by focusing on research, prevention, early detection, and intervention.
The Foundation raises awareness of the potential harms of gambling and educates vulnerable communities on how to play responsibly. They award research grants to further their understanding on the subject and continue to improve the standard of the provided services.
Gambling Help Online
Gambling Help Online is funded as part of an agreement between all State and Territory Governments and the Australian government. It offers 24/7 counselling and support services via email and chat. In addition, there are telephone and face-to-face support options.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Gambling Help Online |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | N/A |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | 1800 858 858 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | N/A (Contact Form) |
| 💻 Website | www.gamblinghelponline.org.au |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | 24/7 counselling and support services |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | Yes |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | Yes |
The organisation features an excellent blog with many helpful articles on self-help and additional ways to seek support. Gambling Help Online is funded by the Department of Social Services at the Australian Government, the NSW Government through the Responsible Gambling Fund, and more.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
As suggested by its name, this is the official authority regulating media and communications in Australia, including the available online content. It was established on July 5th, 2005, via the merger of the Australian Communications Authority and the Australian Broadcasting Authority.
| 📛 Name of Authority: | Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address: | Level 5, The Bay Centre, 65 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009 |
| ☎️ Tel. Number: | 1300 850 115 |
| 📫 E-Mail: | info@acma.gov.au |
| 💻 Website | www.acma.gov.au |
| 💪 Core Tasks: | Australian Media and Communications regulations |
| 👩👦 Support Groups: | No |
| 👫🏽 Meetings: | No |
One of ACMA’s many duties is to monitor the information coming from the gambling industry in the country. You can use the available hotline to report anything you find misleading or illegal. The agency will review your request and take the necessary measures.
Recently, the Australian Communications and Media Authority announced that they will be launching BetStop – The National Self-Exclusion Register, which will allow you to exclude yourself from all licensed gambling operators in one single step.
Problem Gambling Organisations by State
Australia comprises of six federated states – New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. Each of them has its own gambling authority. Here are the official gambling regulators in every Australian state:
| Australian State | Gambling Lincensor | Legal Gambling Age | Responsible Gambling Organisation | Recommended Hotline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Liquor & Gaming NSW | 18 | Gambler’s Help | 1800 858 858 |
| Victoria | Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation | 18 | Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation | 1800 858 858 |
| Queensland | Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation | 18 | Gambling Help Queensland | 1800 858 858 |
| South Australia | Independent Gambling Authority | 18 | Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 |
| Tasmania | Department of Treasury and Finance | 18 | Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 |
| Western Australia | Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor | 18 | Gambler’s Help | 1800 858 858 |
Risks of Excessive Gambling in Australia
Excessive and reckless gambling leads to addiction and many negative consequences, so you must be extra careful not to go down this path. Gambling addictions have destroyed the lives of many people worldwide and must be taken seriously.
Take every possible precaution to avoid potential problems. Never play at unlicensed casinos and set proper time, deposit, and loss limits. Play games that are suitable for your experience and budget, and educate yourself on the available responsible gambling practices in Australia.
What risks do Australian players face when not gambling responsibly?
- Developing a gambling addiction
- Financial losses and bankruptcy
- Accumulating significant debt
- Losing job, family, or friends
- Depression, anger, and sadness
- Ruining your reputation and people’s trust
As you can see, the outcomes of a gambling addiction range from employment issues to financial losses and the accumulation of significant debt. It can lead to depressive episodes and even suicidal thoughts.
This is why the Australian government and authorities are so dedicated to preventing and minimising any potential gambling harm. With strict regulations and security standards, the country is doing its best to stay on top of the sector.
Australian Players Whom Gambling May Not Be Suitable For
Now that we’ve discussed the risks that gambling carries, it is even clearer why not every Australian player is suitable for engaging in such activities. We advise you to reconsider wagering if you fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Australian players who exhibit dangerous gambling behaviour
- Australian players who can easily obsess over things
- Australian nationals in financial troubles
- Underaged Australian nationals
- People with past gambling addictions
- Locals with potential intellectual or cognitive disabilities
Australian Gambling Sites Without Responsible Behaviour to Avoid
When you’re choosing an operator to play at, pick one that is licensed and regulated by the official gambling authorities in Australia. If you’re playing in New South Wales, for example, this is the Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you are playing from Queensland, it’s the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, and so on. Here’s some other things you can consider as proof that a land-based or online operator does not follow the responsible conduct of gambling in Australia:
- No valid gambling licence
- No self-exclusion options
- No partnerships with responsible gambling organisations
- No SSL encryption and independent auditing
- Exemplifying prior actions of irresponsible gambling behaviour
- Advertisement excessing and/or irresponsible gambling
The comprehensive concept of responsible gambling in Australia ranges from the country-specific laws and regulations to the measures you can take to protect yourself from harm and the NGOs and helplines available to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions from Australian Gamblers
You’ve reached the end of our article about the responsible gambling practices in Australia. Before you leave, make sure to check the short FAQ section below, including the most common queries by gamblers in the country.