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Responsible Gambling
Set limits before you play
Decide on a budget for entertainment spending before you log in. Set deposit limits, session time limits and loss limits inside the operator's account tools. Treat any losses as the cost of the entertainment, not as a debt to chase.
- Set a weekly deposit limit and do not raise it on impulse.
- Set a maximum session length and take breaks between sessions.
- Never gamble with money you need for rent, bills, food or loan repayments.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Never chase losses by increasing stakes.
Warning signs to watch for
- Spending more time or money on gambling than planned.
- Feeling anxious, restless or low when not gambling.
- Hiding gambling activity or losses from family or friends.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions or skipping bills to keep playing.
- Chasing losses or believing a big win is "due".
- Gambling to escape stress, low mood or other problems.
Self-exclusion
If you want to stop, you can self-exclude from individual operators and you can register with the national self-exclusion service in Australia. Self-exclusion blocks accounts and marketing across participating online wagering providers.
Australian support services
- Gambling Help Online, free, confidential 24/7 support and chat. gamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop, Australia's national self-exclusion register. betstop.gov.au
- Lifeline, 24/7 crisis support, call 13 11 14.
- Beyond Blue, mental health support, call 1300 22 4636.
Free Australian support, available now
| Service | Contact | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858, 24/7 | Free counselling and chat |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Crisis support any hour |
| Gamblers Anonymous AU | gaaustralia.org.au | Peer meetings nationwide |
| Gamban / BetBlocker | App stores | Device blocking that reaches offshore sites |
| Your bank | App settings | Gambling transaction blocks |
The protections that actually work offshore
Uptown Pokies is an offshore casino, which means BetStop and most Australian protections do not reach it. The working stack lives on your side: a device blocker such as Gamban or BetBlocker on every device, your bank's gambling transaction block, and a written self-exclusion request to the casino with the confirmation screenshotted. One layer leaks; three hold.
The earliest warning sign worth acting on is depositing to chase a loss you had already accepted. Set a hard deposit limit the first time you notice it, and call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 if it repeats. The call is free, anonymous and open around the clock.
Frequently asked questions
Does BetStop block Uptown Pokies?
No, BetStop covers Australian-licensed operators only. Use a device blocker, a bank gambling block and a written exclusion request together.