Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Responsible gambling means staying in control of how you play, how much you spend and how much time you spend gambling. Before you start, decide what you can comfortably afford to lose and treat that amount as an entertainment expense. Never view gambling as a source of income, a way to pay bills or a solution to personal financial problems.

Casino games are based on chance. Previous results do not determine future results, and a losing run does not make a win more likely. There is no reliable strategy that can guarantee a profit. Set a budget before playing and do not increase it because you are hoping to recover an earlier loss. Once your planned budget has been used, stop for the day or for the period you selected.

Simple habits that can help

• Decide your spending and time limits before you begin.
• Keep gambling money separate from money needed for rent, food, bills, savings and other essentials.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when you are tired, upset, bored or under pressure.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing for longer than planned.
• Never borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell belongings to fund gambling.
• Avoid gambling while affected by alcohol, recreational drugs or medication that may affect judgement.
• Keep a record of your deposits, withdrawals, playing time and results so your habits remain visible.
• Stop playing when your limit is reached, whether you are winning or losing.

A clear plan can make it easier to keep gambling within safe boundaries. Some players find it useful to write down their budget, use a calendar reminder to review their activity or ask someone they trust to help them stay accountable. A gambling plan should be realistic and should not rely on winning.

Set limits before you play

Using limits is one of the most effective ways to keep gambling under control. Depending on the account features available to you, you may be able to set limits on deposits, spending, losses or playing time. You may also be able to use activity reminders, temporary breaks or account restrictions. Check the responsible gaming or account settings available on the website for the current options and conditions.

Types of limits to consider

• A deposit limit can restrict the amount added to your account during a selected period.
• A spending or loss limit can help control the amount used for gambling after taking relevant account activity into consideration.
• A session or time limit can encourage you to stop after a planned period.
• A reality check or activity reminder can prompt you to review how long you have been playing and how much activity has taken place.
• A cooling-off period can prevent access for a temporary period when you need a break.
• Self-exclusion can restrict access for a longer period when you want to stop gambling.

Choose limits based on your income, expenses and personal circumstances, not on what you hope to win. A limit should be low enough that reaching it does not affect your ability to meet everyday commitments. If a limit feels difficult to set, or you repeatedly try to change or remove it, treat that as a reason to pause and seek support.

Some limits take effect immediately, while others may be subject to a waiting period or account process. The applicable conditions should be reviewed before you confirm a limit. A limit is a personal control, not a guarantee that gambling will be affordable. You remain responsible for monitoring your activity and stopping when gambling no longer feels enjoyable or manageable.

Taking a break or closing an account

If you want to stop temporarily, use any available break or cooling-off feature and do not create another account to continue playing. If you want to stop for longer, consider self-exclusion or account closure. Self-exclusion is intended for players who want stronger protection from gambling access. Read the relevant terms carefully, including the length of the exclusion and any steps required to return after it ends.

If you ask for an account restriction, closure or self-exclusion because gambling is causing harm, do not reverse that decision simply because you feel more confident later. Speak with a qualified gambling support service before making a new decision. Account restrictions may not remove access to other gambling providers, so consider using broader self-exclusion options or device and payment controls where appropriate.

Recognise the warning signs

Gambling harm can develop gradually. You do not need to wait until there is a serious financial or personal problem before asking for help. Warning signs can affect your money, behaviour, relationships, work, study and wellbeing.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money by gambling more often or placing larger bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to concentrate on other things.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using money set aside for essentials.
• Selling possessions or taking financial risks to continue gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, sleep or other responsibilities.
• Trying to stop or cut back but being unable to maintain the change.
• Feeling regret, shame or distress after gambling, then returning to play.

One warning sign may be enough to justify a pause and a review of your gambling. If several signs apply, stop gambling and seek help as soon as possible. Speaking to someone early can make it easier to protect your finances, relationships and wellbeing. You can ask a trusted person to help you set limits, review transactions or put practical barriers in place.

If you are concerned about someone else

You may be worried about a partner, family member, friend or colleague. Choose a calm time to raise the subject and describe what you have noticed without blame. Encourage the person to speak with a qualified gambling support service. Do not lend money to cover gambling losses or take responsibility for debts that you cannot afford. If finances are shared, consider seeking independent financial advice and agree on safeguards that protect essential household expenses.

Support, safety and your responsibilities

Support is available from gambling counselling services, financial counsellors, mental health professionals and community organisations in Australia. A qualified counsellor can help you understand your gambling, create a plan, manage urges and address related financial or personal concerns. You can seek confidential support even if you have not lost a large amount of money and even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem.

You can also contact a recognised gambling support service in your state or territory, use an appropriate national gambling support service or speak with your general practitioner. If gambling is affecting your mental health, relationships or safety, tell the professional clearly what is happening. If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

Protect your account and personal information

• Keep your login details private and use a strong, unique password.
• Do not allow another person to use your account or make gambling decisions for you.
• Review account activity and payment records regularly.
• Contact the website through its available support channels if you notice activity you do not recognise.
• Do not use gambling funds for household necessities, tax obligations, debt repayments or other essential commitments.
• Consider banking or device controls that can limit gambling payments or access if you are trying to stop.

Age, location and legal requirements

Gambling is for adults only. Do not create or use a gambling account if you are under the applicable minimum legal age. Do not allow anyone under that age to access your account, device or payment method. You are responsible for following the laws that apply where you live and for checking whether the services you use are permitted in your location.

You are also responsible for providing accurate account information, protecting your account credentials and complying with account rules. Responsible gaming controls are designed to support your choices, but they cannot remove every risk associated with gambling. The safest choice for a person who is experiencing gambling harm may be to stop completely and obtain professional support.

Review your gambling regularly

Review your gambling at regular intervals and ask whether it remains affordable, enjoyable and within the limits you set. Look at the time and money involved rather than focusing only on individual wins or losses. If gambling is becoming more frequent, more expensive or more important than other parts of your life, take a break, apply stronger restrictions and seek support. Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice, and asking for help is a practical step towards regaining control.