Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed result. Games are designed for entertainment and should not be treated as a reliable way to earn money, pay bills or recover financial losses. Only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose after your essential living costs and other financial commitments have been covered.

Before you play, decide how much money and time you are willing to spend. Treat these amounts as entertainment costs rather than funds that you expect to get back. A win does not mean that you should increase your spending, and a loss does not mean that you should continue playing to try to recover it. Chasing losses can lead to larger losses and may make gambling harder to control.

Responsible gambling also means making decisions when you are calm and able to think clearly. Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or affected by alcohol or other substances. Do not borrow money, use essential household funds or sell possessions to gamble. Gambling should never take priority over rent, mortgage payments, food, utilities, education, healthcare or other important obligations.

Helpful habits

• Set a spending limit before you start and stop when the limit is reached.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from your device.
• Keep a record of deposits, wagers and withdrawals so you understand your activity.
• Do not gamble with credit, borrowed money or funds intended for essential expenses.
• Balance gambling with work, family, social activities, exercise and other interests.
• Avoid gambling while drinking alcohol or when you are feeling distressed.
• Never assume that a game, number or result is due to occur because of previous results.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are uncertain and past results do not predict future results.

Tools to help you stay in control

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to stay within your personal boundaries. Depending on the features available to your account and the requirements that apply to the service, you may be able to use account controls such as deposit limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time limits, activity statements, cooling-off periods or temporary account breaks.

A limit is most useful when it is set before you begin gambling. Choose an amount and period that reflect your own budget, and do not increase the limit simply because you have lost money or want to continue playing. If a limit no longer feels suitable, consider lowering it or taking a break rather than increasing it.

Taking a break

A short break can help you review your habits and decide whether gambling remains enjoyable and affordable. During a break, do not open another gambling account or use another service to continue playing. Remove saved payment methods where appropriate, avoid gambling-related advertising and tell someone you trust that you are taking time away.

Self-exclusion

If you are finding it difficult to stop or control your gambling, self-exclusion may be an appropriate step. Self-exclusion is a formal request to prevent or restrict access to gambling services for a chosen period or under applicable arrangements. The process, available periods and account effects may vary. A self-exclusion request should be treated seriously, and you should not attempt to bypass it by creating another account or using another person's account.

To ask about available account restrictions, limits, breaks or self-exclusion options, use the support channel provided on this website. We will explain the relevant process in general terms. Please remember that account controls are one part of a wider plan and should be combined with practical budgeting and independent support where needed.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, including people who have gambled for a long time without difficulty. It may develop gradually, and you do not need to wait for a serious financial loss before asking for help. Consider your gambling carefully if you notice changes in your spending, mood, relationships or daily responsibilities.

• You spend more time or money gambling than you planned.
• You try to stop, take a break or reduce your gambling but cannot do so.
• You chase losses or feel pressure to win back money quickly.
• You hide, minimise or provide misleading information about your gambling.
• You borrow money, use credit or sell belongings to continue gambling.
• You miss work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• You gamble to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• You argue with family or friends about your gambling.
• You experience financial problems, sleep difficulties or reduced wellbeing linked to gambling.
• You think about gambling frequently or find it difficult to focus on other activities.
• You return to gambling soon after deciding to stop.

One sign may be enough to justify a conversation with someone you trust or a qualified support professional. You do not have to manage the situation alone, and asking for help is a practical step rather than a failure. Support can help you understand your triggers, make a plan, protect your finances and address related stress or emotional concerns.

If someone close to you is affected

Gambling can affect partners, family members, friends and colleagues as well as the person gambling. If you are concerned about someone else, choose a calm time to raise the issue without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek independent assistance. Protect your own finances by keeping essential money separate, avoiding shared borrowing for gambling and seeking advice before paying gambling-related debts.

Getting support in Australia

If gambling is causing concern, contact an Australian gambling support service, a qualified counsellor or a healthcare professional. Gambling Help Online and state or territory gambling support services provide information, counselling and practical guidance for people who gamble and for those affected by another person's gambling. These services can help you consider your options confidentially and develop a plan that suits your circumstances.

You can also speak with your general practitioner or another trusted health professional. They may help with gambling-related stress, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties or other concerns, and may refer you to an appropriate specialist. Financial counselling can be useful when gambling has affected bills, debts, savings or household finances. Independent legal or financial advice may also be appropriate for more complex situations.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide or harm to another person, seek urgent assistance through local emergency services or a crisis support service. Move away from gambling, go somewhere safe and tell a trusted person what is happening. Immediate safety is more important than resolving gambling or financial issues straight away.

Our general approach

We aim to provide information that supports informed and responsible decisions. Gambling services are intended for adults who meet the applicable legal requirements. Do not allow another person to use your account, and take reasonable steps to keep your login details and payment information secure. If you believe your account has been used by someone else, stop using it and contact support through the available website channel.

Responsible gaming is a shared commitment. Please use the available controls, monitor your activity and contact support if you need information about account restrictions or a break from gambling. We cannot remove the risks associated with gambling, and no tool can replace personal judgement or professional assistance. If gambling is no longer enjoyable, affordable or easy to control, stop playing and seek help.