How to Set Gambling Limits and Stay in Control
Responsible Gaming
By Jake Mitchell
Why Setting Limits Matters
Gambling is a form of entertainment that millions of Australians enjoy responsibly every day. However, like any activity involving money and excitement, it’s important to have boundaries in place. Setting limits before you start playing is one of the most effective ways to ensure gambling stays fun and doesn’t become a source of stress or financial difficulty.
Recognising early signs that your gambling habits may be shifting is crucial. Ask yourself these questions honestly:
- Am I spending more money or time gambling than I originally planned?
- Am I gambling to try to win back money I’ve lost (chasing losses)?
- Am I borrowing money or using savings to gamble?
- Is gambling affecting my relationships, work, or mental health?
- Do I feel anxious or irritable when I’m not gambling?
If you answered yes to any of these, setting firm limits — or taking a break from gambling altogether — is a wise decision. There’s no shame in it; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. It’s also worth understanding your legal rights as an Australian player — read our guide to online gambling legality in Australia and the responsible gambling section in our complete casino guide.
Types of Gambling Limits
Modern online casinos, including VOLT, offer a range of tools to help you stay in control. Here are the main types of limits available:
- Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe:
- Daily limit: Caps the total you can deposit in a single day.
- Weekly limit: Caps your total deposits over a rolling 7-day period.
- Monthly limit: Caps your deposits over a rolling 30-day period.
- Loss limits: Set a maximum net loss over a period. Once reached, you’ll be unable to continue playing until the period resets.
- Session time limits: Set a reminder or automatic logout after a specified number of minutes or hours of play. This helps prevent extended sessions where you might lose track of time.
- Wager limits: Cap the total amount you can wager over a specific period, regardless of wins and losses.
| Limit Type | What It Controls | Timeframes | When It Takes Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limit | Total deposits | Daily / Weekly / Monthly | Immediately (decreases immediate, increases after cooling-off) |
| Loss Limit | Net losses | Daily / Weekly / Monthly | Immediately |
| Session Time Limit | Time spent playing | Per session | Immediately |
| Wager Limit | Total bets placed | Daily / Weekly / Monthly | Immediately |
Important: At VOLT, reducing a limit takes effect immediately, while increasing a limit requires a cooling-off period (typically 24–72 hours). This prevents impulsive decisions to raise your limits during an emotional moment.
How to Set Limits at VOLT
Setting limits on your VOLT account is simple and can be done at any time:
- Log in to your account and navigate to your account settings or profile page.
- Click on “Responsible Gaming” or visit our Responsible Gaming page directly.
- Choose your limit type — deposit, loss, session time, or wager limit.
- Set your amount or duration — enter the maximum you’re comfortable with for your chosen timeframe.
- Confirm and save — your limits are activated immediately. You’ll see your active limits summarised on your account dashboard.
You can adjust your limits at any time. Remember, decreases are instant while increases have a mandatory cooling-off period for your protection.
BetStop – Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register
If you feel you need a more significant break from gambling, BetStop is Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register. Managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), BetStop allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian gambling operators in one step.
Here’s how BetStop works:
- Registration: Visit betstop.gov.au and register for self-exclusion.
- Choose your period: Select a self-exclusion period ranging from a minimum of 3 months up to a lifetime ban.
- Operator notification: Once registered, all licensed Australian operators are notified within 24 hours and must close your accounts and prevent you from creating new ones.
- Coverage: BetStop covers online and telephone betting services licensed in Australia. It provides a single point of control rather than contacting each operator individually.
BetStop is a free service, and your registration is confidential. It’s a powerful tool if you need to step away from gambling completely.
Australian Support Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. These Australian organisations offer free, confidential support:
| Service | Phone | Website | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 | gamblinghelponline.org.au | 24/7 |
| GambleAware NSW | 1800 858 858 | gambleaware.nsw.gov.au | 24/7 |
| Gamblers Help Victoria | 1800 858 858 | gamblershelp.com.au | 24/7 |
| Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au | 24/7 |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au | 24/7 |
All of these services are free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals who understand gambling-related harm. Don’t hesitate to reach out — even if you’re not sure whether you have a problem, a conversation can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Tips for Staying in Control
Here are our top recommendations for maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling:
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not income: Think of your gambling budget the same way you’d think of money spent on cinema tickets, a night out, or a sporting event. It’s the cost of entertainment, not an investment.
- Set a time and money budget before every session: Before you start playing, decide how long you’ll play and how much you’re prepared to lose. When you reach either limit, stop — even if you’re on a winning streak.
- Take regular breaks: Step away from the screen regularly. Get a drink, go for a walk, check in with friends or family. Continuous play can lead to poor decision-making and loss of time awareness.
- Never chase losses: This is the golden rule of responsible gambling. If you’ve lost your session budget, accept it and walk away. Trying to win back losses almost always leads to bigger losses.
- Don’t gamble under the influence: Alcohol and other substances impair judgement. If you’re going to gamble, do it with a clear head so you can make rational decisions about your bets and limits.
- Balance gambling with other activities: Make sure gambling doesn’t become your only hobby or social activity. Maintain other interests, exercise, and spend quality time with people you care about.
- Talk about it: If gambling is weighing on your mind, talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or professional counsellor. Keeping concerns bottled up usually makes them worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a self-exclusion?
It depends on the self-exclusion type and provider. VOLT’s self-exclusion requires a minimum cooling-off period before it can be reviewed. BetStop self-exclusions have fixed periods (3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or lifetime). Short-term BetStop exclusions expire automatically at the end of the chosen period. Lifetime exclusions can be revoked after a minimum period by contacting BetStop directly, but this involves a formal review process.
Are deposit limits reversible?
Yes, but with safeguards. You can reduce your deposit limits at any time, and the change takes effect immediately. However, if you want to increase a limit, there’s a mandatory cooling-off period (typically 24–72 hours at VOLT). This prevents impulsive decisions to raise limits during a gambling session.
Who can I talk to confidentially?
All the support services listed above offer completely confidential support. Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) is available 24/7 and offers phone, live chat, and online counselling options. You can also reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 for general crisis support. These services will never share your information without your consent.
