Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Casino games involve risk, and outcomes are determined by chance. There is no guaranteed method for winning, and previous results do not predict future results. A winning streak does not make a future win more likely, while a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to play. Every wager should be treated as entertainment spending, not as an investment, source of income or solution to financial difficulties.

Before you play, consider whether gambling fits your budget, mood and available time. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Essential costs may include rent or mortgage payments, household bills, food, transport, education, medical expenses, loan repayments and other financial commitments. Do not use borrowed money, credit intended for necessities or money set aside for someone else.

Make a personal plan

• Decide how much money you are prepared to spend before you begin.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a record of deposits, wagers and losses so you have a realistic view of your gambling.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to distract yourself from a problem.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Do not gamble with money needed for bills, savings, family expenses or other important commitments.
• Talk openly with someone you trust about your limits if you find it difficult to stick to them.

A budget is only useful when it is followed. If you reach your spending or time limit, stop playing. Taking a break is not a sign that you have missed an opportunity; it is a practical way to remain in control. Remember that the result of a game is outside your control, but the decision to play, stop or take a break is yours.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, including people who began gambling casually. The issue is not defined only by the amount of money lost. It may also involve the amount of time spent gambling, the effect on personal relationships, or the way gambling changes your mood and behaviour. Early action can reduce harm and make it easier to regain control.

Warning signs to consider

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or feeling unable to stop during a session.
• Increasing your stakes to achieve the same excitement.
• Gambling with money needed for bills, food, savings or other essentials.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or using credit to continue gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty, restless or low when you are not gambling.
• Missing work, study, family activities or other responsibilities because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or withdrawing from them.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or using it to escape stress, sadness or other problems.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop or taking a break.
• Feeling that gambling is affecting your sleep, health, concentration or general wellbeing.

One or more of these signs may be a reason to pause and seek advice. You do not need to wait until a serious financial loss or relationship problem occurs. Write down what has changed, stop gambling for now and speak with a trusted person or a qualified support service. Asking for help is a responsible decision and does not require you to deal with the issue alone.

Support in Australia

Players in Australia can seek confidential information and support through Gambling Help Online, state and territory gambling support services, financial counsellors, mental health professionals or a general practitioner. These services can help you understand gambling harm, make a plan, manage financial concerns and support conversations with family members. Services may also be available for partners, relatives and friends affected by another person’s gambling.

If gambling is connected with thoughts of self-harm, harm to another person or an immediate safety concern, stop gambling and seek urgent help from local emergency services or a crisis support service. Your immediate safety is more important than any account, wager or financial loss.