Responsible Gambling

At Happiness Hampers, we believe gambling should always be a choice, never a compulsion. This page exists to help you recognise the difference and know where to turn if the line starts to blur.

80%
of Australian adults gamble at least once a year — most do so without harm
~1%
experience problem gambling, but it affects families, workplaces and communities
24/7
free, confidential help is available to every Australian, any time of day or night
1800
858 858 — the number to call if gambling no longer feels like entertainment

Healthy Play vs. Problem Gambling

The difference is not always obvious from the outside. Here is how to tell them apart.

✅ Healthy Gambling

You set a spending limit before you start and stop when you reach it — win or lose.
Gambling is one of several leisure activities you enjoy, not the only one you think about.
You can go days or weeks without gambling and not feel restless or anxious.
You view losses as the cost of entertainment, not as a problem that needs fixing with another deposit.
You are honest with family and friends about how much time and money you spend.
You use casino tools like deposit limits and session timers proactively.

⚠️ Problem Gambling

You deposit more money after a loss, believing the next session will recover everything.
Gambling takes priority over work, social plans, exercise and family time.
You feel irritable, anxious or restless when you cannot gamble.
You borrow money, use credit or sell possessions to fund gambling.
You lie to people you care about to hide how much you are gambling.
You believe a single big win will solve your financial problems.

Four Steps to Safer Play

1

Set Your Limit

Decide how much you can afford to lose before you open the app. Treat it as spent.

2

Watch the Clock

Use a timer. Take a break every hour. Gambling sessions that stretch past two hours increase risk.

3

Stay Clear-Headed

Never gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol.

4

Talk About It

Share your gambling habits with someone you trust. Secrecy is a warning sign in itself.

Where to Get Help in Australia

Every service listed here is free, confidential, and available right now. You do not need a referral or a diagnosis to call.

Gambling Help Online

1800 858 858
gamblinghelponline.org.au

24/7 counselling, live chat and self-help tools

Lifeline Australia

13 11 14
lifeline.org.au

Crisis support for anyone in emotional distress

Gamblers Anonymous

gaaustralia.org.au

Peer support meetings across the country — free, no registration required

BetStop

betstop.gov.au

National self-exclusion register — one registration blocks all licensed AU operators

Underage gambling is a criminal offence in Australia. You must be at least 18 years old to gamble. If children have access to your devices, use parental controls and always log out of casino accounts after each session. Gambling products are not toys and should never be accessible to minors.