Gambling harm

If you think your gambling may be causing harm to you or your loved ones, remember you're not alone in this. We're here to lend a hand.

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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:

  1. Log on to your Mobile App or Internet Banking
  2. Go to the Services menu and choose Gambling Block
  3. 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 22 66.

More on Gambling Block

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 22 66 or visit a branch.

Reduce withdrawal limit

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 065 671. 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

Bank of Melbourne’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

Banks' financial difficulty programs

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.