Responsible Gambling (18+)
Drawsguide promotes real-money lottery products operated under licence. Lottery is a form of gambling. This page explains the responsible-gambling tools available to you, and lists the free, confidential support services you can contact any time.
Signs that gambling may be a problem
Lottery is low-stakes compared to some other forms of gambling, but any gambling can become harmful. These signs are worth paying attention to:
- You regularly spend more on lottery entries than you can comfortably afford.
- You feel anxious, irritable, or guilty about how much you spend.
- You find yourself chasing losses — buying more tickets after a poor run.
- Lottery spending affects your sleep, work, or relationships.
- A partner, family member, or friend has expressed concern about your gambling.
If any of these apply, it is worth speaking with one of the professional services listed below. Calls are free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
Self-assessment
Take a moment to answer honestly:
- Do I regularly spend more on lottery than I planned at the start of the week?
- Have I ever borrowed money or sacrificed essentials to buy lottery tickets?
- Do I feel a strong urge to enter every draw, even when my budget is tight?
- Have I tried to cut back on lottery spending and found it difficult?
- Does my mood noticeably drop after a losing draw?
If you answered "yes" to two or more questions, please reach out to one of the support services below.
Tools you can use today
- Set a weekly budget: Decide in advance what you can afford to spend on lottery entries and treat it as a firm cap — not a starting point.
- Take a break: If you feel the urge to spend more than planned, step away for at least 48 hours before buying another ticket.
- Self-exclude via BetStop: The National Self-Exclusion Register lets you exclude yourself from all licensed Australian wagering operators at once. It is free, immediate, and remains in force until you lift it. Visit betstop.gov.au.
- Talk to someone: The helplines below are staffed by trained specialists, are free to call, and are available around the clock.
Free support services
The services below are free, confidential, and staffed by trained specialists. Reaching out does not mean you have a problem — it means you are taking your wellbeing seriously.
- National Gambling Helpline · 1800 858 858 · 24/7
- BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register
- Lifeline Australia · 13 11 14 · 24/7
- Gambler's Help Youthline · 1800 262 376
- Gambler's Help (Victoria) · 1800 858 858 · 24/7
- Self-exclusion from Victorian venues
- Gambler's Help Youthline · 1800 262 376
Your regulator: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). Contact them if you have concerns about a site or service.
Our commitments
- We only link to operators that hold a current licence issued by the relevant Australian regulator.
- Mandatory responsible-gambling help resources appear in the footer of every page on this site.
- All advertising copy is produced in compliance with the licensed operator's letter of authorisation.
- We do not direct advertising at minors or at self-excluded individuals.
- Anyone can raise a concern or request communications removal by writing to [email protected].
- This page is reviewed against regulator guidance every six months.