Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are based on chance or other factors that cannot always be predicted. A winning result does not mean that future results will be the same, and losses cannot be recovered by continuing to play. Treat any money spent on gambling as an entertainment expense rather than an investment.

Before you play, consider whether gambling is affordable within your normal budget. Only use money that you can comfortably afford to lose after essential costs such as rent, mortgage payments, food, bills, transport and other commitments have been covered. Never use borrowed money, credit intended for essential expenses or money needed by your family to gamble.

A balanced approach includes taking regular breaks and maintaining other interests. Gambling should not replace time with family, friends, work, study, exercise or hobbies. Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape personal problems. These situations can make it harder to make careful decisions.

Practical habits for safer play

• Decide how much time and money you are prepared to spend before starting.
• Keep a record of your deposits, wagers and results so that your activity is clear.
• Use available deposit, spending, loss or session controls where these are offered.
• Take breaks and stop when your planned time or budget has been reached.
• Do not chase losses or increase your stakes to try to win money back.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household money and regular financial commitments.
• Avoid sharing account access or allowing another person to gamble through your account.
• Remember that promotional messages and bonuses do not remove the risk of loss and may be subject to terms.

Set limits and stay in control

Setting limits before you gamble can help you remain in control. Depending on the services available on your account and in your location, you may be able to set limits for deposits, spending, losses, wagering or playing time. Review any limit carefully before confirming it and choose an amount that reflects your genuine budget, not the amount you hope to win.

Limits are most effective when they are realistic and respected. Do not cancel, increase or work around a limit simply because you have experienced a loss or want to continue playing. If you feel pressure to change a limit, take a break and consider whether gambling is still suitable for you. Where a cooling-off period applies after a limit change, use that time to reconsider your decision.

You can also create personal rules that support safer gambling. For example, you might decide not to gamble on credit, not to gamble during working hours, or not to gamble when you are dealing with stress. Sharing your boundaries with someone you trust can make them easier to follow.

Taking a break or closing an account

If you would prefer not to gamble for a period, consider using any available time-out, cooling-off or account restriction option. If you want to stop gambling for longer, self-exclusion or account closure may be more appropriate. These options can limit access for a selected period or until further review, depending on the process available to you.

A restriction may not immediately resolve every gambling-related concern, particularly if you have accounts with other operators. Consider applying similar restrictions elsewhere and asking a trusted person to support you. You can also review banking, device and software controls that may help reduce access to gambling services. These measures work best when combined with professional advice and a clear plan.

Recognise the warning signs

Gambling can become harmful gradually. A problem is not defined only by the amount of money lost. It may also affect your time, mood, relationships, work, study, sleep or general wellbeing. Paying attention to changes in your behaviour can help you act before the problem becomes more serious.

You may need to take a break or seek support if you:

• Spend more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Keep gambling after deciding to stop or after reaching a personal limit.
• Chase losses by placing larger or more frequent wagers.
• Feel restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling.
• Think about gambling often or find it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Hide your gambling, losses or account activity from people close to you.
• Borrow money, sell belongings or miss bills because of gambling.
• Use gambling to cope with loneliness, stress, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Argue with family, friends or colleagues about your gambling.
• Neglect work, study, health, relationships or other responsibilities.
• Feel regret, guilt or shame but continue gambling anyway.
• Believe that a big win is needed to fix your financial or personal problems.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust. You do not need to wait until the situation is severe before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to understand what is happening, create a practical plan and reduce further harm.

It can also help to consider the effect of gambling on other people. Family members may experience financial pressure, conflict, reduced trust or emotional stress even when they do not gamble themselves. If someone close to you has raised concerns, take the conversation seriously and use it as an opportunity to review your gambling.

Getting help and protecting your account

Support is available for people who are worried about their own gambling, as well as for family members and friends. In Australia, you can look for confidential gambling support services in your state or territory. These services may provide counselling, information, financial guidance and help with planning a break or stopping gambling. Choose a service that is appropriate for your location and circumstances.

You may also wish to speak with a qualified health professional, financial counsellor or another trusted adviser. They can help you address related concerns such as debt, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or substance use. If gambling is affecting your safety or you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent assistance from local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service.

Account safety and personal responsibility

Keep your account details private and use a secure password. Do not allow other people to access your account, and contact the relevant support team through the available account channels if you believe your account has been used without permission. Account security is important because another person’s access may affect your funds, personal information and gambling settings.

Age and identity requirements apply to online gambling. Do not allow anyone who is under the legal gambling age to use your account or access gambling services. Parents and guardians should use suitable device, payment and account controls to help prevent access by children and young people.

The responsible gaming tools and account options available to you may depend on the service, your location and applicable requirements. Read the relevant terms and instructions before using a limit, time-out, self-exclusion or closure option. If you need help understanding an option, use the available customer support channel before continuing to gamble.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing choice. Review your gambling regularly, keep your limits up to date and act promptly if your circumstances change. If gambling stops feeling enjoyable or begins to cause stress, financial difficulty or conflict, the safest choice may be to stop and seek support.