Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online casino games are based on chance, and every result is independent. There is no reliable strategy that can guarantee a win, recover previous losses or change the outcome of a random game. A win is never certain, and losing sessions can happen even when you have played carefully. Before you begin, make sure you understand that gambling involves financial risk.

Only gamble with money that is available for entertainment after essential costs have been covered. Your gambling budget should not come from rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, savings, credit intended for other purposes or money needed by your family. If losing an amount would create stress or affect your daily life, that amount is not suitable for gambling.

It can also help to decide how much time you are comfortable spending before you start. Take regular breaks and avoid playing for longer than planned. Gambling while tired, upset, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances can make it harder to make clear decisions. If you are not feeling in control, stop playing and return only if gambling feels comfortable and manageable.

Useful habits to consider

• Set a spending and time limit before each session.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and essential expenses.
• Treat losses as a cost of entertainment rather than an amount that must be recovered.
• Take breaks and avoid extending a session because of a near miss or an expectation of a win.
• Keep track of deposits, bets and the time spent gambling.
• Never borrow money or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Do not gamble to cope with stress, loneliness, boredom or financial concerns.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, including people who have previously viewed gambling as harmless entertainment. The signs may develop gradually and are not always easy to notice. You may be at risk if gambling is taking more time, money or attention than you intended, or if it is beginning to affect your relationships, work, studies, sleep, mood or financial situation.

Some people try to hide their gambling, minimise the amount they spend or feel they need to gamble more often to achieve the same excitement. Others may repeatedly return after deciding to stop, increase their stakes after a loss, or feel restless and irritable when they cannot gamble. These signs should be taken seriously and are a reason to pause rather than continue.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Feeling unable to stop, reduce or take a break from gambling.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling items to continue gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity or being dishonest about spending.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social commitments because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, low, frustrated or preoccupied when not gambling.
• Using gambling to escape personal, emotional or financial difficulties.
• Experiencing conflict with family, friends or other people about gambling.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and consider speaking with someone you trust or an appropriately qualified support professional. You do not need to wait for a serious problem before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to understand what is happening and decide what steps may be useful.

Safer gambling tools and account options

Safer gambling tools can help you make decisions before gambling becomes difficult to manage. Depending on the account features and requirements that apply to you, options may include deposit limits, loss or wagering limits, session reminders, time limits, reality checks, temporary breaks and self-exclusion. These tools are intended to support your decisions and should be selected honestly and carefully.

A limit works best when it is set before you start playing and is low enough to protect your normal budget. Consider setting limits for both money and time. Do not increase a limit during an emotional or losing session. If an account tool allows a limit to be reduced immediately but requires a delay before an increase takes effect, the delay is an important safety feature and should not be bypassed.

Taking a break or self-excluding

If you want to stop gambling for a period, a temporary break may provide useful space to reassess your habits. If you believe you cannot gamble safely, self-exclusion is a stronger option. Self-exclusion is a commitment to prevent or restrict access to gambling for a chosen period or in accordance with the applicable process. During this time, do not open another account, use another person’s account or seek ways around the restriction.

If you ask for a break, limit or self-exclusion, make sure you understand its duration, scope and any steps required to reactivate an account. Account restrictions may not remove financial obligations that have already been created, and they may not prevent access to unrelated gambling services. Consider using device controls, blocking software and banking restrictions as additional safeguards where appropriate.

1. Decide whether you need a limit, a temporary break or self-exclusion.
2. Choose a period and spending level that genuinely protects you.
3. Avoid increasing limits or returning early because of a short-term urge to gamble.
4. Tell a trusted person about your plan so they can support your decision.
5. Remove saved payment methods and reduce easy access to gambling funds where possible.
6. Review your gambling after the restriction ends and seek support before returning if concerns remain.

Protecting yourself and getting support

You are responsible for keeping your account details, payment information and devices secure. Do not share your account credentials with another person, and do not allow anyone else to gamble through your account. Gambling accounts are generally intended for the registered account holder only. Keeping your account private can also help you monitor your own activity accurately.

Gambling is not suitable for people under the legal gambling age. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account or gambling devices. Use appropriate privacy settings, passwords, parental controls and device restrictions where available. If you suspect that another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the relevant account security process.

If gambling is affecting you

Consider telling a trusted family member, friend or colleague what you are experiencing. A support person may help you set practical boundaries, review your finances and avoid gambling during difficult periods. You can also seek confidential assistance from an appropriately qualified gambling counsellor or an Australian gambling support service. Support may be available online, by phone or in person, depending on your location and circumstances.

If gambling has contributed to financial stress, consider contacting a qualified financial counsellor before taking out further credit or making decisions under pressure. If gambling is connected with severe distress, thoughts of self-harm or an immediate safety concern, stop gambling and seek urgent help through the appropriate emergency or crisis service in your area.

Responsible gaming information is general guidance and does not replace professional advice or the laws that apply in your location. Australian players should follow applicable legal requirements and review the rules and safer gambling options available to them. If you are unsure whether gambling is appropriate for you, the safest choice is to wait, seek advice and avoid playing until you feel confident that you can remain in control.