Responsible Gambling

Before you play: a quick self-check

Players can ask whether they can afford the planned entertainment spend, understand the operator’s rules and accept that losses are possible. They should also check that they are calm, eligible to use the service and not trying to recover an earlier loss.

If an important answer is unclear, pause and find the information before starting. A decision made after pressure, alcohol, distress or a strong urge to chase losses deserves extra distance.

Set money limits before depositing

Decide the maximum amount you can lose over a session and a longer period. Keep gambling money separate from rent, food, bills, savings and credit commitments. Do not deposit more because an offer is available or because a previous loss feels recoverable.

If the operator provides deposit, loss or spending limits, set them before playing and learn whether they apply immediately or after a waiting period.

Set time limits as well

Players can choose an end time before beginning and use an alarm or session reminder. Take breaks away from the screen, especially when tired or distracted. Continuing after the planned time can make money decisions less careful.

Do not chase losses

Chasing losses means continuing, increasing stakes or adding money because you want to win back what has already been lost. This can turn a planned entertainment cost into a much larger financial problem.

There is no reliable point at which a game “owes” you a win. Previous results do not guarantee a future result, and increasing a stake does not remove the chance of losing. If you notice thoughts such as “one more deposit will fix this” or “I have to get back to even”, stop the session.

Use a clear rule:

A loss is the end of that gambling session, not a reason to raise the budget.

Move away from the device, review your records and speak with someone you trust before making another decision. Never use borrowed money or essential funds to try to recover a gambling loss.

Understand bonuses and wagering requirements

Bonuses, promotions and free-play offers can make gambling feel less costly than it is. They may also include conditions such as wagering requirements, expiry periods, eligible games, maximum stake rules or withdrawal restrictions. The exact terms depend on the relevant operator and offer.

Before accepting an offer, check:

• What deposit or payment is required?
• How much must be wagered before any associated balance can be withdrawn?
• Which games or bets count towards the requirement?
• Is there a maximum stake while the offer is active?
• When does the offer expire?
• What happens if you cancel or decline it?
• Can accepting the offer make it harder to stop?

A bonus is not free cash. If the conditions are unclear, do not accept the offer. You can also choose to play without promotional incentives where that option is available. Never increase your budget simply to meet a wagering requirement.

Warning signs worth taking seriously

Players need to notice if they hide gambling, think about it during essential tasks, miss sleep or work, borrow or use credit, feel restless when not playing, increase stakes to recover losses, or break limits repeatedly. Distress after a loss and conflict with people close to you are also reasons to pause.

One sign is enough to take a break. Several signs suggest adding firm account barriers and speaking with a qualified support service or trusted person.

Use breaks, time-outs and self-exclusion

Different gambling services may offer several forms of account restriction. The names and effects can vary, so read the relevant terms carefully.

• Cooling-off period: a short break before you can play or make certain account changes.
• Time-out: a chosen pause from gambling for a set period.
• Self-exclusion: a stronger request to block or close access for a longer period.

If you are finding it difficult to stop, choose the strongest available restriction rather than relying on willpower alone. Ask whether the restriction applies to deposits, games, promotional messages, logins or related accounts. Also check whether it can be cancelled early, because some restrictions are designed to remain in place for the selected period.

If the casino does not provide a tool that meets your needs, stop using the service and seek support. Do not create another account to get around a restriction.

Add payment and device barriers

Extra barriers can make an impulsive deposit less convenient. Consider:

• Removing saved card or payment details
• Turning off promotional notifications
• Uninstalling gambling apps
• Using device or browser blocking features
• Asking your bank whether gambling-related controls are available
• Keeping devices away from the bedroom or other high-risk places
• Giving a trusted person visibility of your gambling budget
• Avoiding access to gambling when upset, alone or under pressure

These measures work best alongside a firm decision to pause. They are not a substitute for support if gambling has become difficult to control.

Keep gambling away from minors

Gambling services are intended for adults who are legally permitted to use them. Do not allow a child or young person to use your account, device, payment method or login details.

Protect access by:

• Using a private password that is not shared
• Enabling available security controls
• Logging out after use
• Keeping payment details private
• Using parental controls on shared devices
• Checking that children cannot access gambling apps or websites

If a young person has accessed an account, stop the activity, secure the device and account, and contact the relevant service through its available support channel.

If control starts to slip

Stop for the day, remove access to available funds and tell someone you trust. Activate a time-out or self-exclusion if available, remove saved payment methods, avoid new credit and contact a gambling support service or health professional.

If gambling is linked to self-harm, violence or immediate danger, move to a safe place and contact emergency help in your area.

Australian support contacts

Gambling Help Online provides free and confidential support across Australia on 1800 858 858, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its online chat is another option when speaking by phone feels difficult.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline also offers crisis support on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Stop-now checklist

Stop playing and take these steps immediately if you have exceeded your limit, deposited unexpectedly or feel unable to walk away:

• Close the game and log out.
• Do not make another deposit.
• Do not increase your stake to recover losses.
• Remove saved payment details.
• Activate a time-out or self-exclusion.
• Put your phone or device out of reach.
• Tell a trusted person what has happened.
• Write down the amount lost and any urgent financial tasks.
• Contact professional gambling support if stopping feels difficult.

Responsible gambling is about protecting your money, time, relationships and wellbeing. Set limits before play, treat losses as a cost rather than a challenge, and use account restrictions as soon as your own rules become hard to follow. Taking a break—or choosing not to gamble—is always a valid decision.