Gambling support

Chicken Road is a game of chance with a built-in house margin. It can be fun for a few minutes, but it is never a way to earn money, pay off debts or get through a bad patch. This page covers some habits that keep gambling in its place, and where to get free, confidential support in Australia.

Adults only

Gambling is for people aged 18 and over. Legitimate operators check your age and identity. If kids use your phone, tablet or laptop, lock your accounts and log out after you play.

Before you start

• Pick an amount you can afford to lose and think of it as already spent.
• Set a deposit limit on your account and a time limit for the session.
• Decide your cash-out rule for Chicken Road before the first round.
• Do not play when you are tired, stressed, upset or have been drinking.
• Never use borrowed money or money meant for rent, bills or food.

Fast games need extra care

Crash games settle in seconds, so dozens of rounds can pass before you notice. Use a timer, take a break at least once an hour and check your balance against the limit you set, not against the biggest win you remember.

Keep the demo in perspective

Free play costs nothing, but habits form the same way. If you catch yourself spending hours in the demo or trying to win back a play-money balance, treat that as a useful warning before you ever bet real money. The point of the demo is to learn the game, not to practise chasing.

Signs it is becoming a problem

• You play for longer or with more money than you planned.
• You chase losses with bigger stakes.
• You hide how much you gamble from family or friends.
• You get edgy or short-tempered on days you cannot play.
• Gambling is affecting your sleep, work, study or relationships.

If any of these ring true, it is a good moment to stop and talk to someone.

Money and time tracking

Write down what you deposit and withdraw, not just what you win. Many players remember the big cash-outs and forget the small deposits in between. A simple note on your phone with the date, the amount in and the amount out gives you an honest picture after a month, and makes it easier to spot when gambling is taking more than you planned.

Taking a break

Most operators let you take a time-out or exclude yourself from your account. BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, lets you block yourself from all licensed online and phone wagering providers in one step. Blocking software for your devices adds another layer.

Free, confidential help

• Gambling Help Online: call 1800 858 858, any time of day or night, or chat and email through the website. The service is free and you do not have to give your name.
• State and territory gambling help services: face-to-face and phone counselling in every state and territory, reachable through the same national number.
• Gamblers Anonymous: peer-support meetings for people who gamble and for their families.

Family members and friends can use these services too, if they are worried about someone else.

Worried about someone close to you?

Pick a calm moment, talk about what you have noticed rather than blaming, and avoid lending money to cover losses. The helpline can coach you on how to start that conversation.

Our approach

We do not promise wins, we do not sell systems, and we will never tell you a game can be beaten. If something on this site gives the wrong impression, let us know and we will look at it.