Why Betterself exists.
Awareness leads to change, and change happens at your own pace. Betterself is an independent Australian company building the tools that make both possible — starting with an app that shows you exactly what gambling costs you, and helps you keep more of your own money.
The story
Betterself didn't come from a strategy document. It grew out of my own struggles with sports betting and from seeing the same patterns in people I care about. I came to understand how easily gambling can drain money, time and peace of mind, often before you realise how much it has taken.
The lack of value for money is one of the hardest parts to ignore. Gambling can take a lot from people financially and emotionally while giving very little back. Once I saw that clearly in my own life, I wanted to help other people see it clearly in theirs.
There are gambling-blocking apps, budgeting tools and crisis lines, and they all do important work. But not everyone is ready to lock themselves out completely or pick up the phone. Many people simply want a private way to understand the real numbers, set their own limits and make a change without being judged. WA research reflects that too. "I'd rather deal with it on my own" is the most common reason people don't seek help.
That's why I'm building Betterself full-time from Perth. Privacy comes first. The app reads the bank statement you already have, shows you what gambling is actually costing you, and helps you stick to the limits you choose. It includes a cooling-off period before any limit can be weakened, because 2am is not the time to make that call.
Mike Ishak
Founder, Betterself, Perth, Western Australia
What we believe
Privacy first
On-device statement processing. AES-256 encryption. We will never sell your data. Delete your account and stored data any time, no questions.
No judgement
You're not a problem to be solved. You're an adult making decisions, and we're here to give you better visibility — not a lecture.
Real change
Awareness is the lever. Limits help. The cooling-off period matters. Crisis support is always one tap away — and free.
Our independence
No gambling-industry money. Ever.
Betterself takes no advertising, no sponsorships, no affiliate deals and no investment from gambling operators or their associates. That is not a marketing line — it is a standing rule, and it is the same standard Australia's health bodies hold their own partners to.
It matters because incentives decide products. A tool funded by the industry needs you to keep gambling. Our only incentive is the one you have: less money lost to gambling.
The technology behind it
Trust is built on specifics. Here's the stack that handles your data:
Your raw PDF or CSV statement stays in your browser
Only gambling transactions you review are uploaded
Encrypted at rest and in transit
Built in Australia, for Australians (ABN 35 696 928 097)
You can read the detail in our Privacy Policy, and the granular how-it-works on the product overview on our homepage. If there's something we haven't covered, email hello@mybetterself.com.au — it lands directly with the founder.
Who we work with
Gambling harm doesn't get solved by an app alone, and we don't pretend otherwise. Betterself is built to sit alongside the people already doing the work:
Counsellors & psychologists
A private, objective picture of spending that clients can choose to bring into session.
Researchers
Consented, de-identified data to strengthen Australia's thin evidence base on real gambling spend.
Workplaces
An anonymous, self-directed early layer for workforces where harm shows up first.
If that's you, start here: for professionals & partners →
Betterself is in closed beta with Australian users now. Join the waitlist and you'll be among the first through the door.
Join the waitlist