Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no strategy that can guarantee a win. Every wager can result in a loss, regardless of previous results, personal experience or the outcome of earlier games. A winning result does not mean that another win is due, and a losing streak does not make a win more likely. Treat all gambling money as an entertainment expense that you may lose.

Responsible gambling means making deliberate decisions before and during a session. Set a budget in advance, decide how long you intend to play and avoid changing your plan in response to wins or losses. Your gambling budget should only come from money left after essential costs, including housing, food, bills, education, transport, debt repayments and other financial commitments.

• Only gamble if you are legally permitted to do so and meet the applicable minimum age requirement.
• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not exceed it.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for everyday living expenses.
• Never borrow money, use credit or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Take regular breaks and avoid gambling when you are tired, upset, stressed or affected by alcohol or drugs.
• Do not gamble to escape personal problems, low mood or difficult emotions.
• Keep your account, password, devices and payment methods secure.
• Do not share your account or allow another person to gamble using your account.
• Review your deposits, withdrawals and gambling activity regularly.

Gambling should not interfere with work, study, relationships, sleep or other important responsibilities. If you notice that gambling is taking more time, money or attention than planned, stop and review your choices. It is safer to take a break early than to wait until financial or personal difficulties become more serious.

Plan before you play

A simple plan can help you remain aware of your behaviour. Decide on an amount you can afford to lose and a time period for your session. Consider using a timer, keeping a personal record of your gambling expenditure and taking breaks away from the screen. Do not treat a gambling account balance as available income, and do not make decisions based on the hope of recovering earlier losses.

It can also help to consider what you will do when your planned session ends. Have another activity ready, close the gambling service and avoid immediately returning to play after a win or loss. Keeping gambling within a planned routine may make it easier to notice changes in your habits. If you cannot follow the plan you made, stop gambling and consider using an account restriction or seeking independent advice.

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and people may experience different warning signs. You do not need to wait for a major financial loss or personal crisis before asking for help. Take a pause if gambling is becoming more frequent, more expensive or more difficult to control than you intended.

• Spending more than you can afford or using money intended for important expenses.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of bets to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying to win back money after a loss.
• Feeling unable to stop once a gambling session has started.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, low mood or other difficult feelings.

• Missing work, study, appointments, family commitments or sleep because of gambling.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling belongings to continue gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to take a break.
• Thinking about gambling for much of the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Neglecting health, relationships or ordinary responsibilities because gambling has become a priority.

One warning sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling problem. However, several signs may indicate that it would be useful to speak with someone independent. An honest conversation with a trusted person can be a helpful first step. You can also contact a qualified health professional, financial counsellor or recognised gambling support service operating in Australia.

What to do if you are worried

1. Stop gambling and do not try to recover losses through further play.
2. Review your recent account activity and consider whether a break, restriction or self-exclusion is appropriate.
3. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask for practical support.
4. Separate access to gambling funds from money needed for household and essential expenses.
5. Seek independent guidance from a health professional, financial counsellor or gambling support service.
6. If gambling is causing immediate emotional, financial or personal danger, seek appropriate urgent or emergency assistance in your area.

If another person is affected by your gambling, their concerns should be taken seriously. Family members, friends and other people close to a player can also seek information and support. You do not have to manage the situation alone, and asking for assistance is a responsible step.

It may be useful to write down the changes you have noticed, such as increased spending, longer sessions, missed commitments or attempts to hide gambling. This information can make it easier to explain your concerns to a trusted person or professional. Avoid making further deposits while deciding what support or restriction is appropriate.