For most people, gambling is an enjoyable leisure and entertainment activity, but for some people it can get out of control, affecting many aspects of their lives.
Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money. Gambling can affect self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life. It can hurt family, friends, workplaces and communities.
- Do you bet more than you can really afford to lose?
- Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same excitement?
- Do you go back to try to win back the money?
- Do you borrow money or sell things to get money to gamble?
- Do you feel that your gambling might be harming yourself or your loved ones?
- Do people criticise your betting or tell you that you have a gambling problem?
- Do you feel guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
- Does your gambling cause you any health problems, including stress or anxiety or financial problems for you or your household?
- Is gambling affecting your work or study?
- Has your gambling impacted your relationships?
If so, it’s time to make some changes.
Barring yourself
You can Take a Break using a voluntary barring order that allows you to bar yourself from specific gambling providers, products or services such as specific pubs, and clubs with gambling machines, or from specific activities such as betting on racing, sport and lotteries (including online).
Barrings are most effective when used with other support options, such as talking to a counsellor.
The Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) and Gambling Help Online provide free and confidential information and counselling for anyone affected by gambling harm. These services are available 24/7.
I want to make a voluntary barring order
Barring someone else
Anyone who is concerned about another person’s gambling behaviour can initiate a barring order. You don’t need their permission.
I want to help someone with their gambling behaviours
Changing or removing a barring order
You can apply to remove a barring order after the minimum amount of time written in the order. This is usually 12 months, if the barring was made by Consumer and Business Services, or 3 months if the barring was made by a venue.
I want to vary or revoke a barring order
More information
Is your gambling becoming harmful pamphlet (PDF 124KB)
Is your gambling becoming harmful information sheet (PDF 160KB)
