Just like wearing a seatbelt when driving, setting limits when you gamble can be an effective way to stay safe and reduce the risk of experiencing gambling harm. Gambling can be entertaining, but it also carries risks - especially when it becomes hard to stop.
Planning how much you spend, how often you gamble, and what you gamble on can help you reduce the risk of harm.
Why setting limits matters
Setting gambling limits helps you in many ways:
- It allows you to plan ahead, especially before you're caught up in the moment.
- It can prevent financial stress and protect your relationships.
- It will lower your risk of experiencing gambling harm.
How to set limits
You can reduce your risk of harm by following the Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines(opens in a new window):
- Spend no more than 2% of your weekly take-home pay on gambling.
- Gamble no more than once a week.
- Stick to no more than 2 types of gambling.
Learn more about reducing your risks
Other ways to reduce risk
- Take regular breaks – Pause and reset to check in with how you’re feeling.
- Avoid chasing losses – Trying to win back money often results in greater losses.
- Limit alcohol and drug use – They affect brain function and impair decision-making.
- Understand how gambling products work (opens in a new window)– Learn how they’re designed to keep you playing.
- Understand the odds – Most forms of gambling favour the house to win, not the player.
- Find other activities – Hobbies and social activities help reduce boredom and the urge to gamble.
- Opt out of marketing – Unsubscribe from emails, messages and app notifications from gambling providers.
- Adjust ad settings – Limit gambling ads in your social media and browser settings.
Tools to help you cut back or stop
- Reset app(opens in a new window): Understand your gambling habits and take control.
- YourPlay(opens in a new window): Set time and spending limits on poker machines.
- Gambling blocking software(opens in a new window): Tools like GamBan, GamBlock and BetBlocker can block access to gambling sites (fees may apply).
- Self-exclusion(opens in a new window): Take a break from venues or websites.
Support services
If you're concerned about your gambling or simply want to talk, support is free and confidential.
- Gambler’s Help(opens in a new window) – Counselling, financial support, peer programs and First Nations support call 1800 858 858.
- Gambling Help Online(opens in a new window) – 24/7 online chat and resources.
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