# What tools help you stay in control of your betting?

> Tools that help Australian punters stay in control: BetStop, deposit limits, time-outs, account closure and free help on 1800 858 858.

Source: https://bookiechecklist.com/staying-in-control/
Updated: 2026-11-13

BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, lets you exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone bookmakers for three months up to life. Gambling Help Online offers free support on 1800 858 858, 24 hours a day. Operators also describe deposit limits and time-outs. This hub explains each tool and what to check before you deposit.

## BetStop

BetStop launched on 21 August 2023. You choose a period from three months to life. It covers licensed online and phone bookmakers, and does not cover online casinos or illegal services.

By the end of the second quarter of 2025-26, 54,859 people had registered, and 35,135 exclusions were active on 31 December 2025 (Bills Digest, Parliament of Australia).

Register at [betstop.gov.au](https://www.betstop.gov.au/) or call 1800 238 786.

**The upshot:** one registration reaches every licensed bookmaker covered by BetStop.

## Limits and breaks

Under the national consumer protection framework (NCPF), measure 6 covers deposit limits: an operator offers a limit at sign-up, and an increase takes effect no sooner than seven days later. Measure 5 covers closing an account.

This reading comes from the 2018 policy statement; a later edition could not be opened.

Whether each bookmaker describes a time-out, a deposit limit and activity reminders is checked as C04, C05 and C07, and shows as **Not confirmed on 13 November 2026** until read.

## Get help now

Gambling Help Online is free, anonymous and open 24 hours: 1800 858 858. Gambling is not for anyone under 18.

Signs of harm and support options are on the responsible gambling page. To check a bookmaker is licensed first, use [licensing and legality](https://bookiechecklist.com/licensing-and-legality/).

**The upshot:** help is free and open at any hour; limits and BetStop are tools you can use before a problem starts.

## Related pages

See [paying a bookmaker](https://bookiechecklist.com/paying-bookmakers/) for deposit rules and [how betting works](https://bookiechecklist.com/how-betting-works/) for the arithmetic.

## 18+ and where to get help

18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Need help? Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit [gamblinghelponline.org.au](https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/). To exclude yourself from licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, register with BetStop at [betstop.gov.au](https://www.betstop.gov.au/). BetStop help line: 1800 238 786.

## FAQ

**What does BetStop do?**

It excludes you from licensed Australian online and phone bookmakers for a period from three months to life.

**Does BetStop cover online casinos?**

No. It covers licensed bookmakers. Online casinos and illegal services are outside it.

**How do I get help right now?**

Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, free and open 24 hours.

**How fast can a deposit limit be raised?**

Under NCPF measure 6, no sooner than seven days after the request (2018 policy statement; later edition not read).