Responsible Gaming

Online casino games involve financial risk, and outcomes are determined by chance. No strategy, system or pattern can guarantee a win. Past results do not predict future results, and a losing session does not make a win more likely. Set realistic expectations before you play and remember that the money you spend may not be returned.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Your gambling budget should come from disposable income and should never be taken from rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education, savings or other important commitments. Do not use borrowed money, credit intended for living expenses or money belonging to someone else.

• Decide how much time and money you can spend before you start.
• Set a personal budget and stop when it has been reached.
• Take regular breaks, especially during long sessions.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending where possible.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer.
• Never rely on gambling winnings to pay bills or meet financial obligations.
• Remember that a win is not a reason to increase your spending.

It can help to keep a simple record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and the emotions you experience while gambling. Reviewing this information may make it easier to identify changes in your behaviour and decide whether you need a break.

Gambling harm can develop gradually and may affect anyone. It is not defined only by the amount of money lost. A person may experience harm through stress, secrecy, conflict, loss of sleep, reduced concentration or spending more time gambling than intended. Early action can reduce the impact.

• Gambling more money or for longer than you planned.
• Trying to win back money after a loss.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments because of gambling.
• Using gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness or other problems.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, sleep or personal responsibilities.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to stop.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed or unable to control your gambling.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop gambling and consider speaking with someone you trust. You can also seek confidential advice from a qualified gambling support service available in Australia. Support is available for people who gamble and for family members, friends and others affected by someone’s gambling.

If gambling has caused financial difficulty, contact a free financial counselling service or another qualified financial professional. Do not try to recover financial losses through further gambling. If you feel unsafe, are in crisis or are thinking about harming yourself, contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service immediately.

You do not need to wait until gambling has caused serious harm before asking for help. A qualified counsellor can help you understand your gambling, make a plan, manage urges and address related financial or emotional concerns. Support can be confidential and may be available by telephone, online chat, video or in person, depending on the service and your location.

1. Stop gambling and move away from the device or account.
2. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
3. Use available deposit limits, time-outs or self-exclusion tools.
4. Contact a recognised gambling support service in your state or territory.
5. Seek financial counselling if gambling has affected bills, debts or savings.
6. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, contact emergency services or urgent crisis support.

Family members and friends can also seek advice. Supporting someone does not mean lending them money, covering up losses or taking responsibility for their choices. Set clear boundaries, protect shared finances and obtain professional guidance where needed.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Set limits before playing, take breaks, pay attention to how gambling affects you and ask for help early. If gambling is no longer enjoyable or controlled, the safest option is to stop.