Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Responsible gaming starts with understanding what gambling is and what it is not. Casino games are based on chance, and their results cannot be predicted or controlled. A win is never guaranteed, even if you have won previously or believe a particular game is due to pay out. Past results do not change the odds of future results, and no strategy can guarantee a winning outcome.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential expenses have been paid. Gambling should not affect your rent, mortgage, bills, food, transport, savings or other financial commitments. It should also not prevent you from meeting responsibilities to family, work, study or other important areas of your life.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost rather than an investment. Once your chosen limit has been reached, stop playing. Do not increase your budget because you are bored, frustrated or trying to recover an earlier loss.

• Gamble only when you are in a clear and suitable state of mind.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Take regular breaks and keep gambling separate from your daily responsibilities.
• Never borrow money, use essential funds or sell belongings to gamble.
• Do not view gambling as a source of income or a method of paying debts.
• Remember that a loss cannot be recovered simply by continuing to play.

It can also help to discuss your gambling habits with someone you trust. A trusted person may help you keep perspective, notice changes in your behaviour and support you in following the limits you have chosen. You do not have to wait until gambling has caused serious harm before asking for support.

Practical ways to stay in control

A simple plan can make it easier to keep gambling within clear boundaries. Set a spending limit before you begin and decide how long your session will last. Write your limits down if that helps, and avoid changing them while you are playing. Keeping a record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent and results may also help you understand your habits more clearly.

Plan before you play

Decide in advance how much you will spend and how long you will play. Do not use money set aside for household expenses, emergencies or future commitments. Consider leaving your payment cards or additional funds away from the device you use for gambling. Planning your session in advance can reduce the risk of making impulsive decisions.

Use available account controls

Depending on the service, account type and your location, safer gambling controls may be available through your account or by contacting the relevant support team. These controls can include deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, session reminders, reality checks, cooling-off periods or temporary account breaks. The exact options, conditions and processing arrangements may vary, so check the applicable information before using a control.

A time-out or cooling-off period can be useful when you want to step away for a short period. Self-exclusion is a stronger option for people who want to stop gambling for a defined period or longer. If you request a restriction or exclusion, do not try to create another account or use another person’s account to continue gambling.

1. Choose a limit that fits your personal budget.
2. Check the limit and any applicable terms before confirming it.
3. Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account.
4. Stop playing when your limit or planned time period has been reached.
5. Review your gambling activity regularly and change your habits if needed.
6. Take a complete break if you find it difficult to follow your own limits.

Limits are useful tools, but they may not be enough if gambling is already causing financial, emotional or relationship problems. If you repeatedly set limits and then remove or exceed them, consider taking a longer break and seeking independent assistance.

Recognising signs of gambling harm

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. Some people notice changes in their mood, finances, relationships or daily routine before they recognise that gambling has become a problem. Others may minimise their behaviour or believe they can regain control after one more session. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

Consider taking a break and seeking support if any of the following statements describe your experience:

• You gamble for longer or spend more than you intended.
• You repeatedly try to win back money you have lost.
• You hide or minimise your gambling from family, friends or other people.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling.
• You think about gambling frequently or find it hard to concentrate on other activities.
• You borrow money, use credit or miss bills because of gambling.
• You gamble to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Gambling affects your work, study, sleep, health or relationships.
• You have tried to stop or reduce your gambling but have not been able to do so.
• You feel guilty, ashamed or distressed after gambling.
• You need to gamble with larger amounts or for longer to experience the same excitement.
• You return to gambling soon after a loss, despite deciding that you would stop.

Losses cannot be recovered by continuing to play. Chasing losses usually increases the amount of money and time at risk. If you notice this pattern, stop gambling, secure access to your funds where possible and speak with a qualified support service, counsellor or health professional.

It may help to be honest with yourself about the effect gambling is having. Review your recent activity, consider whether you are meeting your normal commitments and notice how you feel before, during and after gambling. If the activity is no longer enjoyable or is creating worry, conflict or financial pressure, stopping is a positive and responsible decision.

Getting support and protecting others

If gambling is affecting you, support is available. You can speak with a trusted person, your doctor, a counsellor or an independent gambling support service in Australia. These services can provide confidential information and help you consider practical steps, such as managing finances, arranging counselling, taking a break or using self-exclusion options. Support is also available for family members and friends affected by another person’s gambling.

A support professional can help you understand your options without judging you. You may be able to discuss budgeting, financial safeguards, emotional wellbeing, relationship concerns and strategies for avoiding gambling triggers. If you are supporting another person, remember to protect your own wellbeing and seek advice about appropriate boundaries.

Age and account responsibility

Gambling is restricted to adults who meet the applicable legal age and location requirements. Do not allow anyone under the legal gambling age to access or use your account. Keep your account credentials secure, use appropriate device and parental controls where relevant, and report any suspected underage access or unauthorised use through the available official support channel.

Financial and personal safety

Keep gambling funds separate from money needed for essential expenses. Review your banking activity and account history, and be cautious about requests for passwords, payment details or verification codes. Do not share your password with another person. If you notice suspicious account activity, stop using the account and report it through the relevant official channel.

If you believe you may harm yourself or someone else, seek urgent assistance from emergency services or a qualified health professional. Do not remain alone with an immediate safety concern. Responsible gaming information is not a substitute for urgent medical or emergency care.

This page provides general responsible gaming information and is not financial, legal or medical advice. Gambling laws, account controls and support options can vary according to your location and circumstances. Check the applicable terms and seek independent professional guidance whenever you are unsure.