Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every bet can result in a loss, including bets placed on games or events that appear familiar or predictable. Previous results, patterns or successful bets do not improve the certainty of a future outcome. Treat any money used for gambling as an entertainment expense, and only play with funds you can comfortably afford to lose.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are prepared to spend. Consider setting a budget for the day, week or month and avoid changing it while you are playing. A budget should be separate from essential costs such as rent, mortgage payments, food, utilities, education, transport and other regular commitments. It should also be separate from savings, emergency funds and money intended for family responsibilities.

A safer approach includes taking regular breaks and keeping gambling separate from other activities. Avoid playing when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to recover money lost earlier. Chasing losses can lead to larger bets, longer sessions and further losses. The safest response to a loss is to accept it as part of the cost of gambling and stop for the planned period.

• Set a personal spending limit before you play.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
• Keep gambling money separate from household and essential funds.
• Never borrow money or use credit to gamble.
• Do not gamble to solve financial problems or repay debts.
• Avoid gambling when affected by alcohol, drugs, stress or strong emotions.
• Do not chase losses or increase stakes to try to win back money.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are uncertain and cannot be controlled.

You must be at least 18 years old to use online gambling services in Australia. Do not allow children or other people to use your account. Keep your login details private, use appropriate device security and log out when you finish. If someone in your household may be at risk of gambling harm, consider using device controls and keeping payment information secure.

Gambling harm can develop gradually and may affect finances, relationships, work, study, sleep and mental wellbeing. It is not necessary to lose a large amount of money before asking for help. Any concern about your gambling is a valid reason to pause and seek support. A trusted person may also notice changes before you do, so take concerns from family or friends seriously.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, payments or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or using essential funds to gamble.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family responsibilities.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or boredom.
• Thinking about gambling often or finding it difficult to concentrate on other things.
• Breaking a limit or promise you made to yourself.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial, personal or relationship problems.

If any of these signs apply, stop gambling and take practical action. Log out, remove access to stored payment methods, set a restriction or request self-exclusion. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you follow your plan. Avoid trying to manage the situation through another gambling session. A qualified counsellor or financial counsellor can help you understand the pattern and develop realistic next steps.

Make a personal stop plan

1. Choose a clear stopping point and write down why you want to stop or take a break.
2. Use the account tools available to restrict deposits, play or access.
3. Remove gambling applications, bookmarks and promotional notifications from your devices.
4. Tell a trusted person and ask them to check in with you.
5. Review bills, debts and available funds without trying to hide or minimise them.
6. Contact a recognised gambling support service in your state or territory.
7. If gambling is affecting your safety or mental health, seek urgent help from an appropriate emergency or health service.

If you feel distressed, unsafe or at risk of harming yourself, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia immediately. Gambling problems can be treated, and asking for help early can make it easier to protect your finances, relationships and wellbeing.