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 other game features. Previous results do not predict future results, and a winning session does not mean that another win is due. Treat any money spent as an entertainment expense that may not be recovered.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably afford to spend. Consider this amount carefully in light of your normal living costs, bills, savings, debts and other commitments. Never use money needed for rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, education or other essential expenses. Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a budget before you begin and stop when that budget has been reached.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from your everyday spending and financial planning.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or affected by other substances.
• Keep your account details private and do not allow another person to gamble through your account.
• Review your gambling activity regularly and be honest about how it affects you.
• Remember that taking a break is always an acceptable choice.

No strategy can remove the risks associated with gambling. Setting a budget can help you make decisions in advance, but it does not guarantee a particular result. If you find it difficult to follow a limit or stop when planned, consider using stronger account restrictions and obtaining independent support.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change straight away. Warning signs can involve money, time, mood, relationships, work or study. Experiencing one sign does not provide a diagnosis, but several signs may indicate that it is time to pause and seek advice.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss, often called chasing losses.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling frequently during work, study, family time or sleep.
• Hiding or minimising your gambling from family, friends or other people you trust.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Missing bills, reducing essential spending or experiencing financial difficulty because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, relationships or other responsibilities.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back but finding it difficult to do so.
• Feeling guilt, shame or distress after gambling.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust. A qualified gambling counsellor can help you understand what is happening and work through practical next steps. You do not need to wait until a problem becomes severe before asking for support, and you do not need to manage it alone.

Gambling should not be used as a solution

Gambling cannot reliably replace income, resolve debt, improve financial security or change difficult circumstances. Wins are not a dependable source of money, and losses can increase financial pressure. If you are experiencing financial stress, consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor as well as a gambling support service. If gambling is affecting your mental health or safety, contact an appropriate health professional or emergency service without delay.

Tools to help you manage your play

Account management tools may help you keep gambling within boundaries that you choose. Depending on the services and controls available to your account, these may include spending limits, deposit limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, temporary account breaks or longer-term self-exclusion. Read the information shown during the request process carefully, as restrictions can differ in how they operate and when they take effect.

Limits and breaks

A limit can help you decide in advance how much you are prepared to spend or how long you are prepared to play. Choose an amount and period that reflect your real circumstances rather than an amount based on a hoped-for win. A cooling-off period or temporary break can provide time away from gambling and help you review your habits without the pressure of an active session.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a specified period or longer. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not attempt to avoid the restriction by creating another account or using another person's account. You may also wish to ask your bank or payment provider whether it offers gambling transaction controls, and use device or website tools that support your decision to take a break.

Account tools are most effective when combined with personal support. Tell a trusted person about the limit or break you have chosen, remove saved payment details where appropriate, and avoid keeping easy access to additional gambling funds. If you believe you are at immediate risk of gambling beyond your control, stop using the service and seek professional assistance.

Changing or removing a restriction

Some restrictions may not be changed or removed immediately, and certain requests may be subject to applicable laws, regulatory requirements or internal safer gambling procedures. A request to increase a limit should never be treated as a reason to continue playing. If you have concerns about a restriction or need help selecting an appropriate option, use the responsible gaming or account support pathway available on the website.

Support, age and personal responsibility

Getting help

Support is available from gambling counselling services, health professionals, financial counsellors and community organisations in Australia. You can search for an appropriate service through trusted Australian government or health information websites, or contact a local service in your state or territory. Support can be confidential, and you may be able to receive help by phone, online or in person. You can also speak with your general practitioner or another health professional about the effect gambling is having on your wellbeing.

If you are supporting someone else, try to have a calm and private conversation without blame. Explain what you have noticed, encourage professional help and avoid giving money intended to cover gambling losses. You may also seek support for yourself, because problem gambling can affect partners, family members, friends and other people close to the player.

Underage gambling

Gambling is for adults only. Do not use the service if you are under the applicable legal gambling age, and do not let a minor use your account, payment method or device to gamble. Parents and guardians should use suitable device controls, keep passwords and payment details secure, and talk with young people about the risks of gambling and misleading gambling content online.

If you are in immediate danger

Gambling-related distress can sometimes contribute to thoughts of self-harm or harm to others. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in Australia or go to the nearest hospital. Do not remain alone with an immediate safety concern. For non-urgent support, contact a qualified health professional, crisis support service or gambling counselling organisation as soon as possible.

Richard Casino encourages players to make informed decisions, use available restrictions and ask for help early. Responsible gaming information is general in nature and does not replace professional medical, financial or legal advice. Gambling laws and support options can vary across Australia, so check the requirements and services relevant to your state or territory.