GamingHubs2026 is committed to promoting safe, responsible gaming across Australia. Whether you need support, information or just a reminder to stay mindful — this page is here for you.
If gambling is affecting your life — or the life of someone you care about — help is available right now. All services below are free, confidential and available to everyone in Australia.
Free, confidential telephone counselling available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Talk to a trained gambling counsellor today.
Free online chat, email and telephone counselling. Available around the clock for anyone affected by gambling in Australia.
Specialised support for young people aged 12–25 and families affected by gambling problems. Counsellors trained in youth-specific support.
Register to self-exclude from all licensed gaming venues in your state. A powerful tool to take a break and regain control.
Problem gambling can develop gradually and is often difficult to recognise from the inside. The following signs may indicate that gambling is becoming a problem:
Spending more money on pokies than you can afford to lose
Spending more time at gaming venues than you planned
Chasing losses — continuing to play to win back money you've lost
Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends
Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when not gambling
Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
Neglecting work, family, health or sleep due to gambling
Thinking about gambling constantly or using it to escape problems
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please reach out to the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Decide exactly how much you're prepared to spend before you walk into any gaming venue. Treat it as the cost of entertainment — not as an investment. Leave your credit cards at home and bring only cash.
Use your phone's timer to set a hard time limit for your session. When the alarm goes off, stop — regardless of whether you're winning or losing. This is the single most effective habit for staying in control.
The urge to keep playing after a loss — to "win it back" — is one of the most powerful and dangerous impulses in gambling. Accept that losses are the cost of playing and walk away when your budget is gone.
Every spin on a slot machine is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). Past results have zero influence on future outcomes. There is no "hot machine", no "due jackpot" and no winning strategy. The house always has a mathematical edge.
Alcohol and other substances impair decision-making and lower inhibitions. If you've been drinking, it's best to avoid the gaming floor entirely — your ability to stick to your budget and time limits will be compromised.
Step away from the machines every 30–45 minutes. Get a glass of water, have something to eat, sit in a different area of the venue. Physical distance from the machines helps you reset and make clear-headed decisions.
Every licensed gaming venue in Australia is required to offer free responsible gambling tools including voluntary pre-commitment limits (setting a maximum spend before you start) and cooling-off periods. Ask at the rewards desk how to activate these.
Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, depression or financial problems is a warning sign. If you find yourself heading to a venue to "feel better" rather than for entertainment, please speak with a counsellor.
Sharing your gambling activity with a trusted friend or family member creates natural accountability. Isolation is often a factor in gambling problems escalating — staying connected helps.
If you're struggling to control your gambling, self-exclusion is a free, legal tool available at every venue and through excludeme.com.au. It bars you from entering registered gaming venues in your state for a period you choose (3 months to permanent). It's a powerful first step.
