Gambling harm
Get the help you need
- Emergencies: call 000 if you’re in immediate danger
- Gambling Help counsellor: call 1800 858 858 or go to Gambling Help Online
- 24/7 crisis support: call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (or SMS 0477 12 11 14) or call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
What are the potential red flags?
Chasing your losses
Trying to make up for losses by gambling more than you usually would.
More time gambling
Betting while at work, late at night, or first thing in the morning.
Hardship
Spending more money and gambling more often over time. Continuing to gamble while in financial hardship.
How gambling takes a toll?
The definition of gambling harm, as defined by The Australian Institute of Family Studies, is: “any negative consequence experienced by an individual or members of their social network because of participation in gambling.”
When it gets out of hand, gambling can cause:
- Damage to your relationships
- Struggles with mental health
- Issues with your job or education
- Difficulty managing your finances.
Strategies to help control spending
Block your cards
Use our Gambling Block feature to stop transactions on credit or debit cards at places classified as betting/casino gambling.
Here's how you can turn it on:
- Log on to your Mobile App or Internet Banking
- Go to the Services menu and choose Gambling Block
- Pick the card(s) you want to block. If you ever decide to remove the block, just remember it might take up to two business days.
Or call our Customer Care Team on 13 33 30.
Limit spend and cash withdrawals
You can change your daily ATM and EFTPOS cash withdrawal limit for most credit and debit cards in the Mobile App or Internet Banking.
Your daily limit is the maximum amount of cash you can withdraw using your debit or credit cards on any given day. You can change the daily limit to any amount between $0 - $2,000.
To change your debit card spend limit, call us on 13 33 30 or visit a branch.
How can we assist?
It's a courageous move to seek help with gambling. When you reach out to us, your safety and privacy are our top priorities.
You can securely and confidentially reach out to us on 1800 080 470. Our dedicated team members are here to understand your circumstances and help you take safe and practical actions to protect your money and financial well-being. We may be able to assist you with:
Hardship assistance
We offer options like adjusting your loan repayments, so you can focus on your safety and plan your next steps without extra financial stress. More on financial hardship
Cancel your home loan redraw
Think about cutting off access to extra cash by stopping any redraw options on your home loan.
Secure your joint funds
Keep your joint accounts safe by making them "all to sign" so no money can be withdrawn without everyone's approval.
Resources and assistance beyond banking
Gambling Help online
Communicate anonymously and for free with a Gambling Help counsellor, offering support to anyone impacted by gambling.
Call 1800 858 858
National Debt Helpline
Offers free, independent, confidential financial counselling for those worried about their financial situation.
Call 1800 007 007
Register with BetStop
A safe and free Australian Government initiative that lets you block yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone gambling providers.
Easy English guide
This Easy English guide explains how to get support if you are experiencing gambling harm.
Learn more
Financial Hardship
Domestic violence and financial abuse
Support during tough times
Important Information
St.George’s approach to providing extra care for customers in vulnerable circumstances is guided by the Australian Banking Association's Banking Code of Practice. Links to the relevant industry guidelines are below:
Preventing and responding to family and domestic violence
Preventing and responding to financial abuse (including elder financial abuse)
Responding to requests from a POA or court-appointed administrator
This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your personal objectives, circumstances and needs and into account. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.