How to handle the urge to bet — in the moment
What to do when the pull to put money on hits.
The pull's there — open the app, have a punt, chase the buzz.
— Right now
- Ride it out — urges peak and pass in minutes if you don't act. Set a 15-minute timer.
- Put a barrier between you and it — delete the app now, hand your card to someone.
- Get out and move — walk, gym, anything that's not the phone.
- Ring Gambler's Help 1800 858 858. Free, 24/7, no judgement.
— Don't
- Don't tell yourself one small bet is fine — that's the voice that runs the loop.
- Don't have a drink to take the edge off — it drops your guard.
— Later
- Sign up to BetStop (betstop.gov.au) — the free national self-exclusion register.
The pull's there — open the app, have a punt, chase the buzz.
— Right now
- Ride it out — urges peak and pass in minutes if you don't act. Set a 15-minute timer.
- Put a barrier between you and it — delete the app now, hand your card to someone.
- Get out and move — walk, gym, anything that's not the phone.
- Ring Gambler's Help 1800 858 858. Free, 24/7, no judgement.
— Don't
- Don't tell yourself one small bet is fine — that's the voice that runs the loop.
- Don't have a drink to take the edge off — it drops your guard.
— Later
- Sign up to BetStop (betstop.gov.au) — the free national self-exclusion register.
The urge to bet: the short version
- 1.Urges peak and pass — wait 15 minutes.
- 2.Barrier it: delete the app, BetStop, hand over the card.
- 3.Never chase. The next bet won't fix the last.
- 4.Move the money before you can touch it.
- 5.Free help, 24/7: Gambler's Help 1800 858 858.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14