Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game outcome is uncertain, and past results do not predict future results. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential expenses and financial commitments have been met. Never treat gambling as a source of income, a solution to financial difficulties or a way to recover money that has already been lost.

Before creating or using an account, make sure gambling is legal for you in your location and that you meet the applicable minimum age requirement. You are responsible for following the laws and rules that apply to you. If you are unsure whether online gambling is permitted where you live, obtain independent advice before playing.

Plan before you play

• Decide how much money you can spend and how much time you can dedicate before starting.
• Use only money set aside for leisure and never use rent, mortgage, bill, food or other essential funds.
• Set a stopping point before you begin and finish your session when you reach it.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending so that your activity is easy to review.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to solve a personal problem.
• Remember that losses are part of gambling and should not be chased by increasing your stakes.

Taking a break can help you keep gambling in perspective. Consider spending time on other activities, setting aside regular gambling-free days and discussing your plans with someone you trust. A balanced routine makes it easier to recognise when gambling is becoming too frequent or is affecting other parts of your life.

Keep gambling separate from other priorities

Gambling should not interfere with work, study, family responsibilities, sleep, health or social activities. Avoid playing while distracted or when you are under pressure to make an important decision. If you find that gambling is taking priority over everyday commitments, stop playing and review your habits before using your account again.

Tools to help you stay in control

Depending on the account features available, you may be able to use safer gambling controls to manage your activity. These tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when you choose limits carefully and respect them. A limit should be based on your personal circumstances, not on how much you hope to win.

Consider using these controls

• Deposit limits can help restrict the amount added to your account over a selected period.
• Loss or spending limits can help you keep your gambling costs within an amount you can afford.
• Session or time reminders can encourage you to pause and review how long you have been playing.
• Wagering limits can help prevent activity from exceeding your planned entertainment budget.
• Cooling-off periods can provide a short break when you feel you need distance from gambling.
• Self-exclusion can prevent access for a chosen period or until you decide that returning is appropriate under the available process.

Read the information shown when you select a control, including when it takes effect, how long it lasts and whether it can be changed. Some settings may not apply immediately or may continue for a defined period. Do not rely on a limit as a substitute for professional assistance if gambling is causing harm.

Protect your account

• Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account.
• Use a secure password and update it if you believe it has been disclosed.
• Review your account activity and payment history regularly.
• Do not gamble through someone else’s account or allow another person to gamble through yours.
• If you are concerned about access to your account, stop playing and use the available account support or restriction options.

If you decide that you should not gamble, take action promptly. Available account restrictions may include a break, a deposit restriction or self-exclusion. Choose the option that matches your needs and follow any instructions provided. If you have concerns about a restriction or need help understanding an option, seek assistance through the available support process before continuing to play.

Review your activity regularly

Looking at your deposits, withdrawals, wagers and time spent playing can help you maintain an accurate picture of your gambling. Do not rely only on memory or individual wins and losses. A regular review may show changes in your spending or playing patterns before they become difficult to manage.

Recognising when gambling may be harmful

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It may affect anyone, regardless of age, income or previous experience. A single sign does not necessarily mean that you have a gambling problem, but several signs together may indicate that it is time to take a break and seek support.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally planned.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling more often or placing larger bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling.
• Thinking about gambling during work, study, family time or other activities.
• Hiding or minimising your gambling activity, spending or losses.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using credit to continue gambling.
• Missing bills, work, study, sleep or important commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about your gambling.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, hopeless or unable to stop after deciding to do so.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop and review your situation rather than trying to manage the concern through further gambling. Consider using a cooling-off period or self-exclusion option, and speak with someone you trust. A qualified health professional or gambling support service can help you understand your choices without judgement.

Gambling and financial wellbeing

Financial stress can make gambling decisions more difficult. Keep records of deposits, withdrawals, wagers and losses so you have a realistic view of your activity. Do not increase your spending because you have had a losing session or because you believe a win is due. Random outcomes do not become more likely because of earlier results.

If gambling has affected your finances, consider speaking with an independent financial counsellor or a qualified professional. You may also wish to contact your bank or payment provider to ask what spending controls are available. Do not borrow money to gamble, and do not use funds set aside for another person or an essential commitment.

Avoid common gambling misconceptions

• A game that has not produced a win is not necessarily more likely to win next.
• A previous win does not mean another win is due.
• Increasing a stake does not guarantee that losses will be recovered.
• A strategy cannot remove the financial risk involved in gambling.
• A near miss is not the same as a win and should not be treated as evidence that success is certain.

Getting help and taking a break

Asking for help is a positive step, not a failure. If you are worried about your own gambling, speak openly with a trusted family member, friend, counsellor, psychologist, doctor or gambling support service in Australia. These services can help you understand the behaviour, make a plan, manage financial impacts and find longer-term support.

If you are supporting someone else, try to have a calm conversation when they are not gambling. Explain what you have noticed, avoid blame and encourage them to seek professional assistance. You should not lend money for gambling or take responsibility for covering gambling losses. Protect your own financial and emotional wellbeing and seek advice if the situation is affecting you.

When you need immediate assistance

If gambling has contributed to an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of another person, move away from gambling and contact local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service. If you are experiencing severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help from emergency services or a qualified crisis professional in your area.

Our approach to responsible gaming

Responsible gaming information is provided to help players make informed choices. We may apply account, identity, age, payment or activity checks where required by applicable rules and procedures. We may also take steps to protect players, maintain account safety or support responsible gambling measures. These steps do not remove the personal responsibility to gamble within your means.

If you believe gambling is affecting your wellbeing, do not wait for the problem to become more serious. Stop playing, review the restriction options available to you and seek independent support. You can return to gambling only if it is legal for you, affordable, enjoyable and consistent with your personal limits. If those conditions are not met, continuing to gamble may increase the harm.

A practical plan for taking a break

1. Stop gambling and close any active game or session.
2. Use the available cooling-off or self-exclusion options if you need help preventing access.
3. Tell a trusted person that you are taking a break and ask them to support your decision.
4. Review your recent gambling activity and identify any financial or personal effects.
5. Remove gambling reminders where possible and spend time on other activities.
6. Seek independent professional support if you are finding it difficult to stop or stay away.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing choice. Set limits before you play, pay attention to changes in your behaviour and act early if gambling stops feeling affordable or enjoyable. Your wellbeing and essential responsibilities should always come before gambling.