Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial strain. We built Fam with tools that let you stay in control, and this page exists to point you toward help when you need it—before things get harder than they need to be.
Why responsible gambling matters
The thrill of a spin or a live-dealer hand is real, but so is the risk. Games of chance are designed with a house edge, which means the cost of playing adds up over time. Most people gamble within their means and stop when it stops being fun. Some don't, and recognising the difference early is what this page is for.
Signs gambling is getting out of hand
These behaviours show up before the money runs out. If you recognise two or more, it's worth pausing:
- Chasing losses—playing longer or betting more to win back what you've lost
- Lying to family or friends about how much you're spending or how often you play
- Gambling with money set aside for rent, bills or groceries
- Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you're not playing
- Neglecting work, study or relationships because gambling takes priority
- Borrowing money or selling belongings to fund a session
Questions worth asking yourself
These aren't diagnostic, but honest answers tell you whether it's time to act:
- Do you gamble to escape boredom, stress or sadness?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop, and found you can't?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed after a session?
- Has gambling caused arguments at home or put a relationship at risk?
- Do you hide how much you're spending, or downplay losses?
- Have you missed a bill payment, skipped a meal or delayed something important because you gambled instead?
One yes doesn't mean you have a problem, but several suggest it's time to reach out.
Control tools we offer
Our account settings include limits you can apply immediately. Each one locks in for the period you choose, and raising or removing a limit triggers a cooling-off period so the decision doesn't happen in the moment.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week or month—once set, the system rejects any attempt to exceed it |
| Loss limit | Stops play when your net loss for the period reaches the figure you nominated |
| Wager limit | Restricts your total stake over a day, week or month |
| Session reminder | A pop-up appears after the time you specify, showing how long you've been playing and your session balance |
| Time-out | Locks your account for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days or longer—you choose the period and the lock cannot be lifted early |
| Self-exclusion | Closes your account for a minimum of six months; reopening requires contact with our support team and a cooling-off review |
To apply any of these, log in and navigate to the responsible-gambling section under account settings. Changes take effect immediately, and support can walk you through the process if the interface isn't clear.
Practical limits that work
General advice rarely sticks, but these habits help:
- Decide your budget before you log in—what you can afford to lose this week without affecting rent, food or bills—and set a deposit limit to match it.
- Treat every deposit as spent. A win is a bonus, not income.
- Set a session timer on your phone. Thirty minutes feels short when you start; it's long enough when you check the clock.
- Never chase a loss. The next spin has the same odds as the last one, and the house edge doesn't care how far behind you are.
- Take a day off every week. If the idea of skipping a session makes you uncomfortable, that discomfort is the signal.
- Keep a separate account or card for gambling so the line between play money and living expenses stays visible.
Where to get help in Australia
If gambling has stopped being entertainment, these services are free, confidential and open now.
National Gambling Helpline
Call 1800 858 858, any time of day or night, seven days a week. The line connects you to a trained counsellor who understands gambling harm. Online chat and email support are also available through Gambling Help Online at gamblinghelponline.org.au.
BetStop—the National Self-Exclusion Register
Visit betstop.gov.au to register. BetStop is run by the ACMA and excludes you from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers at once, for a minimum of three months and up to life. Important: BetStop covers licensed wagering services. It does not block access to online casino games, which are not lawfully provided to people in Australia.
Gamblers Anonymous
Peer support meetings run across Australia and online. Gamblers Anonymous uses a twelve-step model and connects you with people who've been where you are. Find a meeting at gamblersanonymous.org.au.
Gambling Therapy
Free online support and a global community forum, available at gamblingtherapy.org. The service offers live chat with trained advisors and moderated peer groups.
Blocking software
BetBlocker and Gamban are third-party applications that block gambling sites across all your devices. Both require a subscription or donation, and both work across browsers and apps. They won't stop every route, but they add friction when you need it most.
Protecting minors
Our terms require every account holder to be at least 18 years old, and we verify age during registration. If someone underage has accessed an account, contact our support team immediately at [email protected] so we can close it and refund any deposits made.
Parental-control software—like Qustodio, Net Nanny or the controls built into iOS and Android—can block gambling sites at the device or network level. Set them up on any device a child or teenager uses, and keep login credentials private.
A final word
Reaching out isn't defeat. It's the clearest-headed decision you can make when the cost of playing has become more than money. The National Gambling Helpline is 1800 858 858, 24 hours a day. Our support inbox is [email protected] for account closures, time-outs and limit changes. Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore.
This site is informational in nature. We do not operate a casino, accept wagers or organise gambling activities. Access to gambling services is restricted to individuals 18+ only. If gambling is affecting your life, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit betstop.gov.au.