theville for Australian player info and venue details you may need to notify). The next paragraph covers etiquette that helps once you’ve self-excluded.
If you’re excluding from a specific venue, make sure staff link the ban to loyalty accounts and loyalty points so you don’t get tempted to return for freebies.
## Quick Checklist (Aussie-friendly)
– Decide timeframe: 3 / 6 / 12 months or permanent — plan your support during this period.
– Register BetStop if relevant; screenshot confirmation. This will be handy when talking to banks and venues.
– Call your bank (CommBank/ANZ/NAB/Westpac) to request merchant or POLi/PayID blocks; confirm in writing.
– Remove gambling apps, delete saved cards, and enable browser gambling-block extensions.
– Tell close mates and household — ask them to not share promo links or send invites.
– If venue-level, hand over ID and ask to link ban to loyalty points.
## Mini-case B — Tom from Melbourne (how chat etiquette helped)
Tom was on tilt after losing A$300 during the Melbourne Cup sweep and he slagged a dealer in public chat at his local pub. Staff kicked him out for aggressive behaviour and he lost his loyalty tier benefits. Tom later apologised, used the venue’s self-exclusion and replaced his habit with a weekday brekkie catch-up instead. The moral: manage emotion in chat to avoid escalating problems and losing social perks; see the next FAQ for more on disputes.
## Mini-FAQ (for Australian players)
Q: Does BetStop block offshore casino sites?
A: BetStop covers participating licensed operators in Australia; it generally does NOT block offshore sites that are illegal in Australia, so combine BetStop with bank transaction blocks to cover more bases.
Q: Can I un-exclude myself early?
A: Often you can ask, but many programs have cooling-off periods to prevent impulsive reversals; check terms when signing up, and be prepared for paperwork to rejoin.
Q: Who enforces venue bans and what if staff ignore them?
A: Venue management enforces bans; if you feel enforcement failed, escalate to the state regulator (e.g., OLGR in Queensland) and keep your BetStop/ban confirmation handy.
Q: Are winnings taxed if I win after exclusion?
A: Gambling winnings are typically tax-free for players in Australia, but being excluded makes claiming tricky — wins obtained while breaching exclusion can be frozen pending review.
## Responsible gambling note (AUS 18+)
If gambling is causing harm, call Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. For self-exclusion specifics, check BetStop.gov.au. Remember 18+ only — get help early and lean on friends or a counsellor.
## Sources
– BetStop (betstop.gov.au) – national self-exclusion register (Australia).
– Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) — Interactive Gambling Act info.
– Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858.
## About the author
A clinician-adjacent harm-minimisation writer and experienced reviewer of Australian venue and online gambling practices, I’ve worked with local venues and banks on self-exclusion roll-outs. I write plainly, pack checklists for the arvo, and recommend combining tools (BetStop + bank blocks + venue exclusions) for the best protection.
If you want, I can draft a short letter/email to send to your bank or local casino to request exclusion and transaction blocks — say the word and I’ll write it in Straya-friendly tone.
