Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are designed for entertainment and outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the particular game. Previous results do not predict future results, and a losing run does not make a win more likely. Avoid treating gambling as an income source, an investment or a solution to debt.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Only use money that is available for entertainment after essential costs have been covered. Never gamble with money set aside for rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education or other important commitments. If losing the amount would cause stress or financial difficulty, the amount is too high.

Practical principles for safer play

• Set a gambling budget before starting and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from household money and essential expenses.
• Do not chase losses or increase your stakes to try to recover money.
• Do not borrow money, use credit irresponsibly or sell possessions to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or trying to escape a problem.
• Do not gamble while affected by alcohol, drugs or medication that affects your judgement.
• Remember that wins are not guaranteed and a game cannot be controlled by a strategy or lucky routine.
• Keep your gambling private from children and do not allow another person to use your account.

You must meet the legal age requirement that applies where you live before using gambling services. Gambling accounts should be used only by the account holder. Do not share your login details, payment methods or access with another person.

Recognise the signs of harm

Gambling can become difficult to control gradually. A person may start by spending more time or money than planned, then develop habits that affect other areas of life. Recognising warning signs early can make it easier to take action. You do not need to wait until a serious problem develops before taking a break or asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Gambling for longer or spending more than you intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling unable to focus on other things.
• Chasing losses, increasing stakes or gambling more often after losing.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from others.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using essential funds to continue gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
• Gambling to manage loneliness, stress, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Missing work, study, family commitments or social activities because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or its financial effects.
• Selling belongings or taking on debt because of gambling.
• Trying to stop or cut back several times without being able to do so.
• Feeling regret, guilt or distress after gambling but returning to play soon afterwards.

Any one of these signs may be a reason to pause and review your activity. Consider logging out, applying a time-out or self-exclusion, and telling someone you trust what is happening. A trusted friend, partner or family member may be able to help you keep to your plan, review finances and find appropriate professional support.

Do not try to recover gambling losses by playing more. Further gambling can increase the amount lost and make it harder to regain control. Stop, remove access to available gambling funds where possible and focus on practical next steps. Professional support can help with financial concerns, emotional stress and changes to gambling behaviour.