Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gaming

Gambling involves risk, and every bet can result in a loss. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can predict the result of a game. Previous results do not influence future outcomes, and a winning run does not mean that a further win is due. Keeping this in mind can help you make decisions based on entertainment rather than expectation.

Responsible gaming starts before you play. Consider how much time and money you are comfortable spending, and decide on your limits while you are calm. Your gambling budget should be money that you can afford to lose after essential expenses, savings and other financial commitments have been covered. It should never come from rent, bills, credit intended for necessities or money set aside for someone else.

Do not view gambling as employment, an investment or a source of regular income. Avoid chasing losses by increasing your stakes or continuing to play in an attempt to recover money. A loss is not a reason to place another bet, and stopping after a loss can be a responsible decision. Similarly, never feel pressured to continue after a win simply because you believe the next result must be favourable.

• Set a spending limit before you begin and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and essential bills.
• Never borrow money or use credit to gamble.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Remember that games are based on chance and outcomes cannot be controlled.

Players in Australia must be at least 18 years old to use gambling services. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account. Keep your login details private, use suitable device security and sign out when using a shared device. If you believe another person may be using your account, stop playing and use the available account support or security options.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Gambling can become difficult to manage gradually. A problem may not always be obvious to the person experiencing it, and there is no single level of spending that defines harm. The important question is whether gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, wellbeing, work, study or ability to meet responsibilities.

You may wish to pause and review your habits if you notice that you are thinking about gambling much of the time, hiding your activity from people close to you or feeling unable to stop when you intended to. Other warning signs include spending more than planned, returning to gamble after deciding to stop, increasing stakes to achieve the same excitement, or trying to win back money that has already been lost.

• You regularly exceed the amount or time you planned to spend.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop.
• You gamble to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• You miss work, study, sleep, meals or social commitments because of gambling.
• You hide deposits, losses or gambling sessions from family or friends.
• You ask others for money, sell belongings or use credit because of gambling.
• You keep playing despite arguments, financial pressure or other personal consequences.
• You feel regret after gambling but repeat the same behaviour.

Experiencing one or more of these signs does not mean you should feel ashamed. It is a reason to take your concerns seriously and consider support. Speaking with someone early can make it easier to understand what is happening and decide what steps may help. You do not need to wait until a crisis before taking a break or asking for assistance.

A simple self-check

Ask yourself whether gambling is still an affordable and enjoyable form of entertainment. Consider how much you have spent recently, whether your spending has changed, and whether you have been honest with people close to you. If the answers make you uncomfortable, stop gambling for now, secure your account and seek independent support. A trusted family member, friend, counsellor or specialist gambling service may be able to help you plan your next steps.

Safer play tools and taking a break

Account controls can help you put practical boundaries around your play. Depending on the features available on your account, these may include deposit limits, wagering or spending limits, session reminders, time limits, temporary breaks and self-exclusion. Read the terms of any control carefully before confirming it, including when it starts, how long it lasts and whether it can be changed during the selected period.

A limit is most useful when it is set before gambling begins. Choose an amount and timeframe that reflect your genuine budget, rather than an amount designed to accommodate a planned loss. If you find yourself repeatedly increasing a limit, cancelling a break or looking for ways around a restriction, stop playing and consider a longer break or self-exclusion.

Options for reducing or stopping play

1. Review your recent gambling activity and identify how much time and money you have been using.
2. Set a realistic deposit, spending or time limit through the account controls available to you.
3. Take a short break if you need time to reset, reflect or speak with someone you trust.
4. Choose self-exclusion if you want to prevent yourself from accessing gambling for a defined period or until further notice, where that option is available.
5. Remove saved payment methods and avoid keeping gambling funds readily accessible.
6. Contact an independent support service if you are finding it difficult to maintain the boundary on your own.

Self-exclusion is a serious commitment to stop gambling. During a self-exclusion period, do not try to open another account, use another person’s account or ask someone else to place bets for you. These actions can undermine the purpose of the break and may create further financial or personal risk. If you need help selecting an appropriate option, use the responsible gaming or account support pathway shown on the website.

You can also make gambling less convenient by removing gambling applications or bookmarks, blocking promotional notifications and using device or banking tools that help you manage access to funds. These steps work best alongside clear personal limits and honest conversations with people who support you.

Getting help and supporting someone else

If gambling is causing distress, debt, conflict or other harm, consider speaking with a qualified counsellor or a specialist gambling support service in your state or territory. Australian support services, including Gambling Help Online and local community providers, offer information and assistance for people who gamble as well as for family members and friends. Support may be available online, by phone or in person, subject to the service and your location. You do not need to identify as having a gambling disorder to ask for help.

Financial counselling may also be useful if gambling has affected bills, debts or access to essential money. A financial counsellor can help you understand your position and consider practical options without judging you. If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe or at immediate risk of harming yourself or another person, seek urgent assistance from emergency services or a crisis support service in your area.

If you are concerned about someone else

Choose a calm time to raise the subject and focus on what you have observed rather than making accusations. Explain how the behaviour affects you, listen without taking responsibility for the person’s gambling and encourage them to seek professional support. You may wish to protect shared finances, review access to joint accounts and set clear boundaries. Do not lend money to cover gambling losses or agree to keep harmful gambling secret.

• Use respectful, direct language and avoid arguments about individual wins or losses.
• Encourage a break, account restriction or professional conversation.
• Look after your own wellbeing and seek support for yourself if needed.
• Protect children and other vulnerable people from gambling accounts, devices and promotional material.
• Remember that you cannot control another adult’s decisions, but you can decide what support and boundaries are appropriate for you.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing process, not a one-time decision. Review your habits regularly, keep your limits realistic and act early if gambling starts to feel difficult to control. If you choose to gamble, do so only within your means, take breaks and be prepared to stop.