Responsible Gaming

Before you play, decide how gambling fits within your budget and your leisure time. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses, savings and other financial commitments have been covered. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and there is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can ensure a win.

Treat every bet as an entertainment expense. A win should not be viewed as income, and a loss should not be treated as a debt that must be recovered. Avoid gambling when you are angry, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape personal or financial difficulties. These situations can make it harder to make balanced decisions.

Do not borrow money, use money intended for rent or bills, sell belongings or use credit to continue gambling. It can also help to keep gambling separate from your everyday banking and to review your spending regularly. Setting a clear budget in advance can make it easier to stop when that budget has been reached.

• Set a spending limit before you start and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Never chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer.
• Keep gambling private from children and do not allow anyone under the legal age to use your account.
• Remember that past results do not predict future results.

Problem gambling can develop gradually. You do not need to wait for a serious financial loss before taking action. If gambling is becoming more frequent, more expensive or more important than other parts of your life, it may be time to pause and seek support.

Warning signs can include thinking about gambling throughout the day, spending more time or money than planned, feeling restless when trying to stop, or returning to gambling to recover previous losses. Other signs may include hiding gambling from family or friends, borrowing money, missing work or study, neglecting responsibilities, or feeling anxious, guilty or upset after playing.

• You regularly exceed the budget or time limit you set.
• You increase the amount or frequency of your bets to feel the same excitement.
• You try to win back losses immediately or continue after deciding to stop.
• You cancel plans, miss commitments or lose sleep because of gambling.
• You argue with people close to you about gambling or hide transactions.
• You use gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• You have difficulty taking a break even when gambling is causing problems.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and review your account controls. Speaking openly with someone you trust can also be helpful. Taking action early is a practical step, not a failure.

Support is available if gambling has become difficult to control. Players in Australia can look for confidential gambling help through official government information services, community organisations, financial counselling services and qualified health professionals. These services can provide information, practical guidance and support for both people who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. You do not have to manage the situation alone.

If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of another person, seek urgent assistance from an appropriate emergency or health service. For ongoing concerns, contact a trusted support organisation or healthcare professional and explain what has been happening. Friends and family members can also seek advice about how to set boundaries and provide support without taking responsibility for another person’s gambling.

Gambling services are intended for adults who meet the applicable legal age and account requirements. Parents and carers should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling accounts, devices and payment methods. Use strong passwords, keep account details private, enable device security features and log out when you finish. Never share an account or allow another person to gamble on your behalf.

• Keep your login details and verification information confidential.
• Use device, browser and payment security settings to restrict access where possible.
• Check account activity and report anything you do not recognise.
• Do not let another person use your account, even with your permission.
• Seek support early if gambling is affecting your finances, health, work or relationships.

If you need help understanding available responsible gaming controls, review the information provided within your account or contact the available support channel through the website. Responsible gaming is a shared effort, and choosing to pause, reduce or stop is always a valid decision.