Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Casino games are based on chance, and outcomes cannot be predicted or guaranteed. You may lose the money you choose to gamble, and no strategy can remove the possibility of losing. Gambling should therefore be treated as paid entertainment rather than an income source, investment or way to recover money that has already been lost.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Only use money that is available after your essential costs have been covered. Your gaming budget should not affect rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, transport, education, savings or other financial commitments. If losing the amount would create stress or difficulty, it is more than you should gamble.

Helpful habits

• Set a spending limit before starting and avoid increasing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a clear record of your deposits, bets and withdrawals so you understand your actual activity.
• Never chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing to play for longer.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, affected by alcohol or other substances, or under financial pressure.
• Do not borrow money, use money intended for essential expenses or sell personal items to fund gambling.
• Treat wins as temporary outcomes, not as a reason to continue playing without a plan.
• Avoid gambling as a response to boredom, loneliness, stress or difficult personal circumstances.

It can also help to tell someone you trust about the limits you have chosen. A trusted person may help you stay accountable and notice changes in your behaviour that you have not recognised yourself. You remain responsible for making your own decisions, but support from someone close can make it easier to maintain healthy boundaries.

Tools and account controls

Depending on the services and settings available through your account, you may be able to use controls designed to help manage your gambling. These can include deposit limits, wagering or loss limits, session reminders, activity statements, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. Availability, operation and timeframes can vary, so review the information shown in your account or contact the available customer support channel if you need help understanding a control.

Setting limits

A limit is most effective when it is chosen before you begin playing and set at an amount you can genuinely afford. Consider setting daily, weekly or monthly limits for deposits, spending and time. A limit should not be viewed as a target. Once it has been reached, stop playing and wait until the relevant period has ended. Do not try to work around a limit by opening another account or using another person's account.

Taking a break

A cooling-off period can provide time away from gambling without requiring a permanent decision. During a break, do not create another account, ask another person to place bets for you or look for alternative ways to continue playing. Use the time to review your spending, consider what triggers your gambling and decide whether further support would be helpful.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger account restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a specified period or permanently, where that option is available. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not attempt to bypass the restriction. Self-exclusion may apply only to the relevant service or operator, so you should also consider whether broader support or exclusion options are available in your state or territory.

Account controls are useful tools, but they cannot replace personal support or professional advice. If you believe you are losing control, use the strongest available restriction and seek help as soon as possible.

Recognising signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. A person may continue playing even when gambling is affecting finances, relationships, work, study, sleep or emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help, and you do not need to prove that your situation is serious enough. Any concern about your gambling is a valid reason to pause and seek support.

Warning signs may include

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by playing more often or increasing your stakes.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, withdrawals or losses from family and friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• Using savings, credit, borrowed money or funds for bills to continue playing.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or withdrawing from relationships.
• Thinking about gambling for much of the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling shame, regret or distress after gambling but continuing the same pattern.

If any of these signs are familiar, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust. Consider closing or restricting your account, removing saved payment methods and asking your bank or financial provider what controls may be available to reduce access to gambling funds. A qualified counsellor, doctor or specialist gambling support service can help you understand what is happening and develop a plan that suits your circumstances.

If someone in your household is affected by gambling, you can seek support even if you do not gamble yourself. Partners, relatives and friends may experience financial stress, conflict or emotional pressure. Independent advice can help you set safe boundaries, protect essential household money and decide how to discuss the issue.

Getting help and staying safe

If you want to reduce or stop gambling, take one practical step today. You could log out, use an available account restriction, speak to a trusted person, arrange an appointment with a health professional or contact an independent gambling support service in Australia. Support may be available online, by telephone or in person, and you can ask about confidential options. Choose a service that is appropriate for your location and circumstances.

Our customer support team may be able to explain account features, available limits and the process for requesting a break or self-exclusion. Customer support cannot provide financial, medical or therapeutic advice, and it cannot guarantee gambling outcomes. For independent guidance about gambling harm, money concerns or emotional wellbeing, speak with a qualified professional or an appropriate community support service.

Protecting your account

• Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account.
• Use a strong, unique password and update it if you think someone else may know it.
• Review account activity and transaction records regularly.
• Tell the relevant support channel promptly if you notice activity you do not recognise.
• Do not open additional accounts to avoid a limit, restriction or self-exclusion.
• Make sure your personal details remain accurate so account controls can operate correctly.

You must meet the applicable legal age and location requirements before using gambling services. Do not allow anyone who is under the legal gambling age to access your account or device for gambling. Parents and guardians should use suitable device, payment and account safeguards where appropriate.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, immediate danger or a serious personal crisis, stop gambling and seek urgent help from emergency services or a crisis support service in your area. Your immediate safety comes first. This page is general information and is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, medical or mental health advice.