Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to predict or influence an outcome. Games are designed to produce random results, where applicable, and previous wins or losses do not determine what happens next. A win is never owed after a loss, and a losing streak does not make a win more likely. Treat every wager as an entertainment cost rather than an investment.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential expenses have been paid. Do not use rent, mortgage payments, household bills, education costs, loan repayments or money needed for food and other necessities. Never borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a gambling budget before you start and do not increase it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from gambling activities.
• Keep gambling separate from your everyday spending and monitor your transactions.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, bored or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by placing larger or more frequent wagers.
• Avoid treating gambling as a source of income or a solution to financial difficulties.
• Talk openly with someone you trust about your gambling habits and spending.
• Remember that taking a break is always available, whether you have won or lost.

A personal budget should be realistic and reflect your circumstances. If your financial position changes, reduce or stop gambling rather than trying to recover money through further play. A clear plan made before gambling is easier to follow than a decision made during an emotional or extended session.

Safer gambling tools and account controls

Account controls can help you manage your activity. Depending on the options available for your account and location, these may include deposit limits, wagering or spending limits, session reminders, reality checks, temporary breaks and self-exclusion. These tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when you choose limits carefully and use them before gambling becomes difficult to manage.

Consider setting limits in advance

1. Choose an amount that you can afford to lose over a set period.
2. Set a time limit that matches your normal leisure schedule.
3. Consider a cooling-off period if you feel that you are gambling more often than intended.
4. Keep your selected limits in place and avoid changing them impulsively.
5. Use account history and spending records to check whether your actual activity matches your plan.

A temporary break can create space to review your gambling and your reasons for playing. If you want a longer break or believe you should not gamble, self-exclusion may be a more appropriate option. Self-exclusion is a voluntary arrangement that restricts access to gambling for a selected period or until a further step is completed, subject to the processes and conditions that apply to the service and your location.

If you request a limit, break or self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided through your account or the relevant support channel. Do not open another account or use another person’s account to avoid a restriction. Account controls are not a substitute for professional support, and you should seek help if you are worried about your gambling or cannot maintain the limits you set.

Protect your account

Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to gamble using your account. Review account activity and payment records regularly. If something appears unfamiliar or you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and raise the issue through the available account support process. Maintaining control of your account is an important part of maintaining control of your gambling.

Recognising possible gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, health and emotional wellbeing. It does not affect everyone in the same way, and a person does not need to gamble every day to experience a problem. The following signs may suggest that gambling is becoming difficult to control:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Increasing bet sizes or gambling more often to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying to win back money that has already been lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or cut down.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or important responsibilities because of gambling.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.
• Using gambling to escape problems, loneliness, stress or other difficult emotions.
• Attempting to stop but returning to gambling despite your intentions.
• Neglecting sleep, health, relationships or other activities that you usually enjoy.

One sign may be enough to justify taking a break and reviewing your activity. You do not have to wait for serious financial or personal consequences before seeking help. Speaking with a qualified gambling counsellor can provide practical guidance, confidential support and strategies for reducing or stopping gambling.

If gambling is causing concern

1. Stop gambling and avoid making further deposits or wagers while you consider your next step.
2. Use available account limits, a temporary break or self-exclusion.
3. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
4. Review your finances and prioritise essential bills and obligations.
5. Contact an appropriate gambling support service in your Australian state or territory.
6. Seek professional financial advice if gambling has affected debts, bills or other commitments.

Getting help and our approach

Support is available for people who gamble, as well as family members, friends and others affected by gambling. In Australia, you can contact Gambling Help Online or a gambling support service available in your state or territory. These services can offer information, counselling and guidance about reducing or stopping gambling. Your general practitioner or another qualified health professional may also help you access appropriate care.

If you feel overwhelmed, believe you may harm yourself or someone else, or are in immediate danger, contact emergency services in Australia or attend the nearest hospital emergency department. Gambling-related stress can feel intense, but urgent help is available. If you are supporting another person, take threats of self-harm or violence seriously and seek immediate assistance.

Our responsible gaming principles

• We encourage players to make informed decisions and gamble within their means.
• We support the use of account controls, breaks and self-exclusion where available.
• We do not present gambling as a guaranteed way to earn money or recover losses.
• We encourage players to take concerns seriously and seek independent support.
• We expect accounts to be used only by the account holder and not to bypass safer gambling restrictions.
• We aim to provide clear information about safer gambling options and account-related processes.

Gambling laws, age requirements, availability and support arrangements can vary across Australian states and territories. You are responsible for ensuring that gambling is lawful where you are located and for complying with any applicable requirements. If you are under the legal gambling age, do not create an account or use gambling services. Parents and guardians should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling accounts, devices and payment methods.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing process. Review your habits regularly, use the controls available to you and ask for help early if gambling stops feeling enjoyable or manageable. Choosing not to gamble is always a valid decision, and taking a break does not require a special reason.