Responsible Gaming

Gambling should stay entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every bet is made with the possibility of losing money. Past results, patterns or near wins do not change the chances of future outcomes. Games are designed to produce random results where applicable, and a win should never be treated as evidence that another win is due.

For players in Australia, gambling should be viewed as a leisure activity rather than an income source. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses, savings and other commitments have been covered. Never use gambling to pay bills, repay debts, replace employment income or improve your financial position.

• Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending before you begin.
• Treat losses as the cost of entertainment and do not try to win them back.
• Keep gambling separate from household money, rent, bills and savings.
• Avoid gambling when you are angry, upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Take regular breaks and give yourself time away from gambling.
• Remember that the outcome of each game is independent and cannot be controlled by a strategy, ritual or previous result.

It can help to discuss your gambling budget with someone you trust. An honest conversation with a partner, family member or friend may make it easier to stay accountable and notice changes in your behaviour.

Recognising warning signs

Gambling may be becoming a problem when it takes more time, money or attention than you intended. Warning signs can develop gradually, so it is important to take them seriously even if you are still meeting some responsibilities.

• Spending more money or time gambling than planned.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other things.
• Trying to recover losses by gambling again, often with larger bets.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using credit to gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from other people.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop or take a break.
• Missing work, study, family activities or other commitments because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or its financial effects.
• Feeling regret, guilt or shame after gambling but continuing to play.
• Having difficulty paying for everyday needs while continuing to gamble.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop gambling and consider asking for help. You do not need to wait until the situation becomes severe. A pause, a conversation with someone you trust and support from a qualified service can help you make a plan.

Taking a break or closing your account

If you feel that gambling is no longer safe or enjoyable, use the available cooling-off, self-exclusion or account closure options. You can also contact the service through the support channel available on the website to ask about account restrictions. A break should be treated as a genuine break: do not open another account, use another person’s account or ask someone else to gamble on your behalf.

Account restrictions may not prevent gambling with other operators, so consider taking wider steps as well. Remove gambling applications and saved payment details, block promotional messages, avoid gambling environments and tell a trusted person about your decision. If you are concerned about a family member or friend, raise the subject calmly and encourage professional support rather than trying to manage the situation alone.