Warning signs
Any of these is a good reason to pause and talk to someone:
- Spending more than you planned, or more than you can afford.
- Chasing losses: going back to win back money you have lost.
- Borrowing money, or using bill or rent money, to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you are not gambling.
- Gambling to escape stress, loneliness or problems.
Where to get help
| Service | What it offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline | Free, confidential phone counselling, 24/7 | 1800 858 858 |
| Gambling Help Online | Live chat and email counselling, self-help tools | Gambling Help Online |
| SA Government gambling help | Information on local face-to-face services in SA | sa.gov.au |
| Gambling Harm Support SA | Information on pokies and gambling harm in SA | gamblingharmsupport.sa.gov.au |
| Department of Social Services | National directory of gambling support | dss.gov.au |
Practical tools that work
- Venue barring: South Australia lets you bar yourself from gaming venues. Ask venue staff or a help service.
- BetStop: the national self-exclusion register for licensed online and phone wagering providers.
- Bank gambling blocks: many Australian banks let you block gambling transactions on your cards from within their app.
- Cash only, set amount: leave cards at home and take only what you have budgeted.
- Time limits: set an alarm and take breaks away from the machine.
For family and friends
Gambling harm affects the people around the gambler too. Gambling help services support family members and friends, even if the person gambling is not ready to seek help. You do not have to manage it alone.