Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial strain. Betfair provides tools to help players stay in control, and Australia offers national support services for anyone who needs them. This page walks through the warning signs, the questions worth asking yourself, the limits you can set with the operator, and where to turn when gambling stops being fun.
Why responsible gambling matters
Online betting and gaming are designed to be enjoyable, but they carry real financial risk. For most people, gambling is a recreational activity with a clear budget and time limit. For others, it can become compulsive, leading to financial hardship, damaged relationships, and serious mental health consequences.
Recognising the boundary between entertainment and harm is not always easy. The line moves gradually, and it is often the people closest to you who notice the shift first. Taking stock early—before problems escalate—gives you the best chance of staying in control.
Warning signs: when gambling gets out of hand
Certain behaviours signal that gambling may no longer be under control. If you recognise any of the following in yourself, it is worth pausing and seeking advice:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses by placing larger or more frequent bets
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or neglecting bills to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, restless or irritable when not gambling
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
- Neglecting work, study, family responsibilities or hobbies because of gambling
These patterns do not appear overnight. They build slowly, which is why early self-assessment is so important.
A few questions to ask yourself
Honest answers to these questions can help you gauge whether your gambling is still under control:
- Do you ever gamble more than you can afford to lose?
- Have you tried to cut back on gambling and found it difficult?
- Do you feel the need to bet with increasing amounts to get the same level of excitement?
- After losing, do you feel a strong urge to return and win back what you lost?
- Has gambling caused arguments with family or friends?
- Have you borrowed money or sold belongings to finance gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape worries, stress, or feelings of sadness?
- Have you missed work, university, or social commitments because of gambling?
If you answered yes to several of these, consider reaching out to a support service or setting stricter limits on your account. This is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is a signal that change may be needed.
Betfair's control tools
The operator provides five responsible gambling tools that allow players to set boundaries on their own activity. These are configured through the account settings and take effect immediately once applied.
Deposit Limit
Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a chosen period—daily, weekly, or monthly. Once the limit is reached, no further deposits are accepted until the period resets. This prevents impulsive top-ups during a losing streak.
Loss Limit
Cap the total net loss you are willing to accept within a set timeframe. When the limit is hit, you cannot place further bets until the next period begins. This tool is particularly useful for protecting against chasing losses.
Time Out
Temporarily suspend your account for a cooling-off period. During a Time Out, you cannot log in, place bets, or access your balance. The break can last from 24 hours to several weeks, depending on what you choose.
Gaming Time Check
Receive periodic notifications showing how long you have been logged in and actively betting. These reminders help you stay aware of how much time you are spending on the platform, making it easier to stick to your own schedule.
Self Exclusion
Close your account for a minimum of six months, or longer if you prefer. During self-exclusion, you cannot reopen your account, deposit funds, or participate in any betting or gaming activity. This is the strongest control available and is intended for situations where gambling has become a serious problem.
Good to know: a self-exclusion applied to your Betfair account will also attempt to block access to Paddy Power accounts. As of 8 June 2022, an all-product self-exclusion is replicated across Sky Betting and Gaming and PokerStars accounts for matched customers in specific regions. As of 19 December 2024, self-exclusions are also replicated with tombola.
Important: these tools are set and managed by the operator, not by this site. We cannot process requests for deposit limits, self-exclusion, or account closures. To activate any of these controls, log in to your Betfair account and navigate to the responsible gambling section in your settings, or contact the operator's support team directly.
Tips for gambling sensibly
Staying in control is easier when you follow a few practical principles:
- Set a budget before you start and treat it as entertainment spending, not an investment.
- Decide on a time limit and stick to it—gambling for hours at a stretch increases risk.
- Never chase losses. Wins and losses are part of the experience; accept both and move on.
- Avoid gambling when upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol. Emotional decisions lead to impulsive bets.
- Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen, even during a winning streak.
- Keep gambling separate from other responsibilities. Do not gamble at work, during family time, or when you should be sleeping.
In short: if gambling stops being fun, it is time to stop gambling.
Where to find help in Australia
Australia provides national support services for anyone concerned about their own gambling or that of someone close to them. These resources are free, confidential, and available around the clock.
National Gambling Helpline
Call 1800 858 858 to speak with a trained counsellor, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service also offers free online chat and email counselling through Gambling Help Online. Whether you are looking for advice, support, or simply someone to talk to, this is the first place to turn.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register
Visit betstop.gov.au to register for free self-exclusion across all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers at once. Registration takes effect within 24 hours and lasts for a minimum of three months, with options for longer periods including permanent exclusion. BetStop is run under the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and covers licensed betting services—note that it does not extend to online casino games, which are not lawfully provided in Australia.
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of people who share their experience and support one another in recovering from gambling problems. Meetings are held in cities and towns across Australia, and online meetings are also available. Find local meetings at gamblersanonymous.org.au.
Gambling Therapy
An international service offering online support, including live chat with trained advisors, peer-support forums, and self-help resources. Access it at gamblingtherapy.org.
Blocking software
BetBlocker and Gamban are apps that block access to gambling websites and apps on your devices. BetBlocker is free and open-source; Gamban is a paid subscription service. Both work across computers, tablets, and smartphones, and can be configured to block access for a set period that you cannot reverse once activated.
Protecting minors
Gambling is strictly restricted to adults. Betfair enforces age verification in line with legal and regulatory requirements, and no one under the age of 18 is permitted to open an account, deposit funds, or place bets. If an underage individual is discovered to have registered successfully, net losses incurred while underage are returned, open bets are voided, and a report may be made to authorities.
Parents and guardians can take additional steps to prevent children from accessing gambling sites by enabling parental controls on home networks and devices. Most internet service providers and operating systems offer built-in content filters that block gambling websites. Monitoring browser history and keeping payment details secure also reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
Contact and further information
If you have questions about the content on this page, you can reach the editorial team at [email protected]. We typically respond within 48 hours.
We cannot help with account-related matters. This site is an independent information portal with no access to player accounts, deposits, withdrawals, bonuses, or technical issues. For questions about your Betfair account, contact the operator's own support channels directly through the platform.
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it has stopped being fun, the resources above are there to help you regain control. You are not alone, and support is available whenever you need it.
This site is informational in nature. We do not operate a casino, accept bets, or organise gambling activities. Access is restricted to individuals 18+ only. For confidential support, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit betstop.gov.au.