Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and no result can be guaranteed. Previous wins or losses do not change the probability of future results. A game should therefore be treated as paid entertainment, rather than as an investment, source of income or reliable way to recover money. Only use funds that are available for entertainment after essential costs have been covered.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Consider this amount a cost of entertainment, in the same way you might budget for a meal, film or another leisure activity. Once your planned amount has been used, stop playing. Do not increase your budget because you have lost, and do not continue in an attempt to win back money.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before you play and treat it as a firm boundary.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from rent, bills, food, savings and other essential expenses.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not borrow money, use credit or sell belongings to fund gambling.
• Do not chase losses or increase stakes to try to change an outcome.
• Avoid gambling as a response to boredom, loneliness, pressure or difficult personal circumstances.
• Review your gambling activity regularly so you know how much time and money you are spending.
• Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your gambling account.
• Talk to someone you trust if you are finding it harder to follow your own limits.

A win is not a reason to extend a session indefinitely, and a loss is not a reason to take greater risks. Setting a clear stopping point before playing can make it easier to follow your plan. If you find that it is difficult to stop, consider taking a longer break and using the account controls available to you.

It can also help to keep a simple record of your gambling activity. Reviewing deposits, withdrawals, time spent and session outcomes may give you a more accurate picture than relying on memory. If the overall cost is higher than expected, pause gambling and reconsider whether it remains suitable for your circumstances.

Protect your finances

Gambling should never take priority over ordinary financial commitments. Work out your available entertainment budget after considering rent or mortgage payments, household bills, food, transport, debts, savings and other responsibilities. If your financial position changes, reduce or stop gambling rather than trying to use gambling to make up the difference.

Keep payment methods and account details secure. If you share a device or household finances with other people, take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access. Never give another person your password, payment information or verification details, and do not ask someone else to gamble for you.

Recognising when gambling may be harmful

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may affect anyone, regardless of age, income, occupation or previous experience. You may not notice the change immediately, so pay attention to your behaviour, mood, finances and relationships. One warning sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling problem, but several signs together should be taken seriously.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to cut back or stop, but finding that you cannot.
• Chasing losses or feeling an urgent need to recover money.
• Gambling with money needed for rent, bills, food or other essentials.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling possessions to continue gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, transactions or losses from family and friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or allowing it to interfere with work, study or daily responsibilities.
• Missing appointments, neglecting relationships or avoiding ordinary activities because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or significant stress after gambling.
• Gambling to escape difficult feelings, loneliness, boredom or personal problems.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop or take a break.

Further signs to consider

• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or money.
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts or for longer periods to feel the same excitement.
• Using gambling to deal with financial problems instead of seeking practical assistance.
• Feeling unable to be honest about how often you play or how much you spend.
• Delaying important payments or responsibilities because gambling has become a priority.
• Feeling relief only while gambling, followed by worry or regret afterwards.
• Continuing to gamble even when it is affecting your health, sleep, work or relationships.
• Feeling that gambling is the only realistic way to improve your financial situation.
• Making repeated promises to stop without being able to maintain them.
• Using another person's account or a different gambling service to continue playing.
• Experiencing significant distress when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• Feeling that gambling no longer seems voluntary, affordable or enjoyable.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop and take a clear look at your situation. Do not try to solve gambling losses by gambling more. Consider restricting or closing your account, talking openly with a trusted person and contacting a qualified gambling counsellor or recognised support service in Australia. Support is available for people who gamble as well as for partners, family members and friends.

Support for family and friends

Gambling can affect people close to the player, including household finances, trust and emotional wellbeing. If someone else's gambling is affecting you, you do not need to manage the situation alone. Avoid covering repeated losses or providing money without a clear plan. Protect shared finances where appropriate, set personal boundaries and seek advice from an independent support service. You can ask for help even if the person who gambles is not ready to change.

If gambling has contributed to severe distress or you believe you or someone else may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services or an appropriate urgent mental health service in your area. Your safety comes first.