Responsible Gaming

Casino games are games of chance. Results are random, and past outcomes do not predict future results. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or method that can ensure a win. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential living costs and other financial commitments have been paid.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost rather than an investment. Never use rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food money, savings intended for important needs or borrowed funds for gambling. If you lose the amount you planned to spend, stop playing rather than trying to recover it.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before you play and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals and gambling activity so you understand your overall position.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or affected by medication.
• Do not borrow money, use credit to gamble or sell possessions to fund play.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family, friends, exercise and other interests.
• Consider whether gambling fits your budget before making a deposit.
• Avoid watching or joining gambling activity simply because other people are doing so.
• Remember that promotional material and entertainment features do not change the chance-based nature of casino games.

A win does not mean you should continue indefinitely, and a loss does not mean a win is due. Setting a clear stopping point can help prevent decisions being driven by excitement, frustration or the desire to recover money.

Gambling harm can develop gradually. It may affect finances, relationships, work, study, health and emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait until a serious problem has developed before taking action. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Repeatedly trying to win back losses or believing a win is due.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, withdrawals or losses from family and friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop.
• Gambling to escape problems, boredom, loneliness or difficult emotions.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using essential funds for gambling.
• Selling belongings or relying on credit to continue playing.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships, health or other responsibilities.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Continuing to gamble after deciding to stop or after experiencing serious consequences.
• Feeling shame, hopelessness or distress connected with gambling.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and take practical steps now. Close or restrict your account, remove saved payment methods where possible, tell a trusted person what is happening and review your finances. An independent gambling support service, counsellor, financial counsellor or healthcare professional can help you make a plan without judgement.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm or you feel unsafe, seek urgent help through emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia. Your immediate safety is more important than any account, balance or gambling outcome.