Responsible Gaming

Responsible gambling means making informed decisions and keeping gambling within limits that are suitable for your circumstances. Before opening a game or placing a bet, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost, similar to other leisure expenses, and never spend more than you can afford to lose.

Gambling outcomes are uncertain. No strategy, system or pattern can guarantee a win, and previous results do not determine what will happen next. A win does not mean that another win is more likely, while a loss is not a reason to continue playing in an attempt to recover money. Chasing losses can make spending increase quickly and may lead to financial or personal harm.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before you begin and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Use only money set aside for entertainment, never rent, bill, loan or essential living money.
• Do not borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to continue gambling.
• Keep gambling separate from financial responsibilities and household budgets.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, under the influence of alcohol or affected by medication.
• Do not gamble to celebrate a win, improve your mood or escape from personal problems.
• Keep a record of deposits, bets, wins and losses so that your activity remains clear.
• Never assume that a win is due because you have experienced a series of losses.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling starts to concern you.

Only people who meet the applicable legal age and other eligibility requirements should use an online gambling service. Do not allow another person to use your account, and take reasonable steps to keep your login details and payment information secure. Adults should also take care to prevent children and other unauthorised people from accessing gambling accounts or devices.

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It may begin gradually and can be difficult to recognise, particularly if gambling is presented as entertainment or if wins temporarily hide the overall cost. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speaking with a qualified support service, health professional, financial counsellor or trusted person can help you understand what is happening and decide on practical next steps.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or increasing bets to feel the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing bills because of gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, health, relationships or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to cope with anxiety, sadness, loneliness, stress or other difficult feelings.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back, then returning to gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, regret or distress after gambling.
• Experiencing conflict with a partner, family member, friend or colleague because of gambling.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop gambling and seek help as soon as possible. Support can include discussing the situation with a trusted person, contacting an Australian gambling support service, speaking with a general practitioner or counsellor, and obtaining independent financial advice. A support professional can help with a plan that may include restricting access, managing money, addressing stress and repairing relationships.

Family members and friends can also be affected by another person’s gambling. If you are concerned about someone else, choose a calm time to explain what you have noticed without blaming or threatening them. Encourage them to seek professional support, protect shared finances where appropriate and look after your own wellbeing. You can seek advice even if the person who gambles is not ready to ask for help.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, immediate danger or a serious personal crisis, stop gambling and contact local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in your area. Your safety comes first. Online gambling support should not be used as a replacement for urgent medical or emergency assistance.