Responsible Gambling
At Luke Howarth, we believe gambling should only ever be a form of entertainment — never a way to make money or escape problems. If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop.
Need Help Right Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free and confidential support is available 24/7:
Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 (free call)
Online chat & support: gamblinghelponline.org.au
Staying in Control
Most people gamble without any problems, but it's important to set boundaries before you start. Here are practical steps to keep gambling safe and enjoyable:
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start. Never gamble with money you need for rent, bills, or daily expenses.
Set a Time Limit
It's easy to lose track of time while gambling. Set an alarm or use the casino's session timer to remind you to take breaks.
Never Chase Losses
If you've hit your limit, walk away. Trying to win back lost money almost always leads to bigger losses.
Don't Gamble When Emotional
Avoid gambling when you're stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Clear-headed decisions are safer decisions.
Use Casino Tools
Most reputable casinos offer deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options. Use them.
Keep It Social
If gambling becomes something you hide from friends and family, that's a warning sign. Be open about your gambling activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these signs in yourself or someone you care about:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you planned
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop gambling
- Lying to others about how much you gamble
- Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out for help. Support is free, confidential, and available around the clock.
Self-Exclusion Options
If you need to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can help. These programs allow you to ban yourself from gambling venues and online sites for a set period:
- BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register: A free service that lets you exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online gambling providers. Visit betstop.gov.au.
- Casino self-exclusion: Most online casinos let you self-exclude directly from your account settings for periods ranging from 24 hours to permanent exclusion.
- State programs: Each Australian state and territory has its own self-exclusion programs for land-based venues.
Support Services
Gambling Help Online
Free phone, online chat, and email support.
Financial Counselling Australia
Free financial counselling if gambling has affected your finances.
Our Commitment
Luke Howarth is committed to promoting responsible gambling. We only recommend casinos that provide responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and reality checks. We never encourage readers to gamble beyond their means, and we include responsible gambling information on every page of our site.
All content on our site is intended for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, please leave this site immediately.