Safer Gambling

Last updated: 25 September 2026

1. Access is restricted to adults

BetExpress is intended only for people aged 18 or over. Age and identity checks may be required before account access or wagering is permitted.

2. Recognising the risks of wagering

Gambling involves financial risk and losing is the most likely outcome over time. Treat wagering as entertainment, not as a way to make money or recover previous losses.

3. Practical ways to remain in control

• Set a spending limit before betting.
• Decide how much time you are prepared to spend.
• Do not borrow money to gamble.
• Avoid increasing stakes after a loss.
• Take regular breaks and review account activity.

4. Signs that gambling may be becoming harmful

Warning signs can include spending more than planned, hiding gambling activity, chasing losses, borrowing money, missing obligations or feeling distressed about wagering.

5. Limits on deposits and spending

Deposit or spending controls can help define a clear boundary before wagering begins. Where limit tools are available, reductions should take effect promptly while increases may be subject to a cooling-off period.

6. Breaks and temporary time-outs

A temporary break can prevent account use for a selected period. Use a break whenever gambling no longer feels controlled or is interfering with other priorities.

7. Excluding yourself from gambling

Self-exclusion is a stronger control intended to block wagering access for the chosen exclusion period. Re-entry should be subject to the applicable rules and safeguards.

8. BetStop and independent exclusion services

BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register for licensed online and phone wagering providers. Visit betstop.gov.au for current information and eligibility.

9. Activity summaries and reality reminders

Account statements, transaction history, time reminders and activity summaries can help you review how much time and money has been spent.

10. Controlling promotional messages

If betting promotions make it harder to maintain control, turn off marketing communications where available and reduce exposure to gambling advertising.

11. Measures for protecting your finances

Keep essential household money separate from gambling funds. Do not use credit or borrowed money to chase losses, and consider bank gambling blocks where available.

12. Gambling while affected by substances or strong emotions

Avoid gambling while affected by alcohol, drugs, severe stress, anger or other states that can impair decision-making.

13. Helping someone else

If you are worried about another person, encourage a calm conversation and point them toward independent professional support. Avoid taking control of their finances without appropriate consent or advice.

14. Keeping gambling away from children and young people

Keep account credentials, payment methods and gambling devices secure. Do not allow minors to use an adult account.

15. Support and intervention by staff

Account activity or communications may lead to responsible gambling contact, limits or restrictions where this is required by law, policy or customer safety controls.

16. Privacy within safer-gambling processes

Responsible gambling information should be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy and disclosed only where authorised or required.

17. Free and confidential support services

Gambling Help Online provides free confidential support on 1800 858 858 and through gamblinghelponline.org.au.

18. Reaching the BetExpress team

Use the Contact page for account-specific responsible gambling questions or to request available control options.

19. Help in an emergency

If gambling-related distress creates an immediate risk to you or someone else, contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in your location.

20. Setting a personal gambling budget

A gambling budget should use only money that remains after essential living expenses, savings commitments and debt obligations have been covered. It can be useful to decide both a maximum amount and a maximum amount of time before opening the site.

If the planned limit is reached, stop for the period you set. Increasing the budget in response to a loss can turn a pre-set limit into loss chasing.

21. Understanding loss chasing

Loss chasing occurs when a person increases the frequency or size of gambling in an attempt to recover money already lost. It can lead to decisions that are inconsistent with the person's original budget or risk tolerance.

A break, deposit limit or self-exclusion can provide a clear interruption when the urge to recover losses becomes difficult to manage.

22. Using account history as a reality check

Review deposits, withdrawals, stakes and net results over a meaningful period rather than focusing only on individual wins. A complete account history can provide a more accurate picture of the financial outcome of gambling activity.

If actual spending is higher than expected, consider reducing limits, taking a break or discussing the situation with an independent support service.

23. Financial institution controls

Some banks and payment providers offer gambling blocks, transaction alerts or spending controls. These tools can add another layer of protection outside the wagering account.

Contact the relevant financial institution directly for current eligibility, activation and reversal rules.

24. Marketing and inducements

Promotional messages can make it harder for some people to maintain a planned break or spending limit. Marketing preferences should be easy to reduce or stop where the law and account settings permit.

Do not treat a promotion, bonus or time-limited offer as a reason to spend more than the amount originally budgeted.

25. Support for family and friends

Family members and friends can also seek confidential advice from gambling-support services. Support can include guidance on communication, boundaries, financial safety and referral to specialist services.

If there is an immediate safety risk, contact emergency or crisis services rather than relying only on account controls.

26. Reviewing responsible-gambling settings

Responsible-gambling settings should be reviewed periodically and whenever circumstances change, such as income, debt, stress levels or the amount of time spent gambling.

A lower limit, longer break or self-exclusion can be appropriate even when there has not been a single dramatic incident. Preventive action can be easier than trying to regain control after gambling has escalated.