Is It Possible To Ban Or Exclude Someone Else From Gambling?

Skip to content

Can I have someone banned?

In NSW, you can apply to have a loved one with a gambling problem banned from the casino, but not from pubs and clubs. What else can you do?

It can be challenging to control someone else’s gambling, and third-party exclusion is not yet possible in all venues in NSW. For pubs and clubs, for example, gamblers must decide for themselves if they want to self-exclude, although you can arrange third-party exclusion in the casino. This situation may change – we’ll keep you posted.

Here are the current alternatives. 

Please contact GambleAware before trying any of these strategies
GambleAware counsellor can discuss your situation and all your options, including what’s safest for you. They can also support you to have a conversation about third-party exclusion with your loved one

Request third-party exclusion from The Star

Are you worried about how much a friend or relative gambles at the casino? You may be able to have them banned. However, this is an extreme step. Please talk to a GambleAware counsellor first on 1800 858 858.

 

If you choose to go ahead, call The Star Sydney on 02 9777 9000 and ask for Responsible Gambling Customer Liaison and request third-party exclusion from the casino’s gambling facilities. They’ll explain to you how it works.

 

Suggest self-exclusion from pubs, clubs and the casino

If your loved one is ready for it, you could suggest that they self-exclude. This allows them to take control by deciding to block, ban or bar themselves from places where they know gambling is an issue for them. It can help if they want to cut down, have a break or quit for good.

Investigate blocking software

Specialist blocking software can prevent access to all online gambling sites, servers and apps in one goIt’s a great way to help stop kids and young people from experimenting with gambling online.

See if your bank can help

Many banks support customers who want to manage their gambling. Just ask – your bank might let you place restrictions on spending or blocks on using credit cards. They may even provide hardship assistance. Contact your bank’s Customer Support or Customer Care team. They’ll talk you through your options, and let you know how they can help.

Whatever you do, be prepared

It may be hard to step in to stop someone with a problem from gambling and talk to them about it without blame or angerThe last thing you want is to escalate the situation. Before you do anything, talk to a professional counsellor who’s trained to give you confidential advice, support and strategies.

Gambling and intimate partner violence

Be aware that imposing financial strategies – like assuming control of family finances and resources – may increase the risk of intimate partner violence. They may not be right for your situation. Talk to a counsellor first‌ and have a safety plan in place.*

 

* Hing N, O’Mullan C, Nuske E, Breen H, Mainey L, Taylor A, … Rawat V. (2020) The relationship between gambling and intimate partner violence against women (Research report, 21/2020), ANROWS, Sydney.

I’d prefer an Aboriginal service

As an Aboriginal person, you can get support anywhere in urban or regional NSW through Warruwi Gambling Help.

I need support in my own language

Support is available in over 40 community languages, including 中文 (Mandarin and Cantonese), Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese), عربى(Arabic) and Italiano (Italian). 

For free, confidential advice and support, call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 and arrange to talk to a counsellor near you.

Share
GambleAware acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land and we pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. GambleAware is an inclusive support service.
Copyright © 2024 NSW Office of Responsible Gambling