Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Casino games are designed for entertainment, and outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the relevant game. A previous win does not make another win more likely, and a previous loss does not mean that a win is due. Avoid chasing results or believing that a particular strategy can remove the risk.

Only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose after essential expenses have been covered. Your gambling budget should never come from rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education, savings or money set aside for someone else. Never borrow money, use credit to chase losses or sell belongings to continue gambling.

Take time to consider whether gambling is right for you before you play. You should be an adult who is permitted to gamble under the laws that apply where you live. If gambling is causing concern for you or another person, stop playing and seek appropriate support. You can also choose not to gamble at all.

• Set a gambling budget before you begin and treat it as an entertainment expense.
• Decide how long you will play and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and financial responsibilities.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, intoxicated or under pressure.
• Never chase losses or increase your spending to try to recover money.
• Remember that wins are not guaranteed and gambling should not be treated as an income source.

Ways to stay in control

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to recognise when it is time to stop. Before opening an account or starting a session, decide how much money and time you are prepared to spend. Once you reach either limit, finish the session, even if you feel that a win may be close.

Set money limits

Use any responsible gambling settings or account controls available to you, such as deposit, spending or loss limits. Choose an amount that fits within your personal budget rather than an amount based on what you hope to win. A limit is most useful when it is set before gambling begins. If you are unsure what limit is suitable, consider taking a break instead.

Set time limits

Gambling for longer than planned can make it harder to make clear decisions. Set an alarm, use a timer or write down the time you intend to stop. Take regular breaks, move away from the device and do something unrelated to gambling. Do not extend a session simply because you have not yet won.

Keep gambling separate

Avoid gambling while managing household finances, working, studying or caring for others. Keeping a simple record of deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses and playing time can help you understand your overall activity. Looking only at individual wins can give a misleading impression of the total amount spent.

Protect your account

• Keep your login details private and use a secure password.
• Do not allow another person to use your account or make gambling decisions for you.
• Log out when you finish, particularly if other people can access your device.
• Check your account activity and payment records regularly.
• Contact the relevant support team if you notice activity that you do not recognise.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It may develop gradually, and a person may not realise there is a concern until gambling begins to affect their finances, relationships, work, study, sleep or emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help.

Consider taking a break and speaking with a qualified support service if you recognise any of the following signs:

• You spend more time or money gambling than you intended.
• You keep increasing the amount you wager to experience the same excitement.
• You try to win back money after losing or feel unable to stop during a session.
• You hide your gambling, losses or account activity from family, friends or colleagues.
• You borrow money, miss bills or use money intended for essential expenses.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
• You think about gambling frequently or find it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Gambling causes arguments, relationship problems, work difficulties or financial stress.
• You gamble to escape sadness, loneliness, anxiety, anger or other difficult feelings.
• You have tried to cut back or stop but have not been able to do so.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop gambling for now. Speak openly with someone you trust and seek help from an appropriately qualified gambling support service in your state or territory. Support can include confidential counselling, financial guidance and help to create a plan for reducing or stopping gambling.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm or you feel that you may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis support service in your area. Your safety comes first.

Taking a break or stopping

You can choose to pause or stop gambling at any time. If you feel that gambling is becoming difficult to control, use the account controls available to you and request a temporary break or self-exclusion where those options are offered. Self-exclusion is a voluntary step that restricts access to gambling for a selected period or until a further review, depending on the process that applies.

A break is more effective when you remove reminders and opportunities to gamble. Consider deleting saved payment details, removing gambling applications, blocking promotional messages and asking a trusted person to support your decision. You may also wish to review your banking arrangements and set safeguards that make impulsive spending more difficult.

A practical plan for stopping

1. Stop playing and do not make another deposit to recover losses.
2. Use available account limits, cooling-off or self-exclusion options.
3. Write down the reasons you want to stop and keep them somewhere visible.
4. Tell a trusted person what you are doing and ask them to check in with you.
5. Contact a gambling support service for confidential advice and a tailored plan.
6. Review your budget, unpaid bills and other financial commitments.
7. Replace gambling time with healthy activities, social contact, exercise or other interests.
8. Seek additional help if you return to gambling or find that stopping is difficult.

Support for family and friends

Gambling can affect partners, relatives, friends and other people close to the player. If someone else's gambling is affecting you, you can seek support for yourself even if that person does not want help. Avoid covering up losses, lending money to continue gambling or taking responsibility for another adult's gambling decisions. A qualified support service can explain boundaries, financial safeguards and ways to have a calm conversation.

Responsible gambling information is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional, financial or medical advice. Gambling laws, available services and account options may vary according to your location. Check the requirements that apply in your state or territory and contact an appropriate local support service if you need assistance.