Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every wager can result in a loss, and past results do not predict future results. Games should be viewed as paid entertainment rather than an investment, income source or solution to financial pressure. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your everyday needs and financial commitments have been covered.

Before you play, consider how gambling fits into your budget, schedule and personal circumstances. Decide in advance how much money and time you are prepared to spend, and regard those amounts as limits rather than targets. When a limit is reached, stop playing. Do not add more money simply because you have lost, and do not continue in an attempt to recover losses.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before each session and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Use gambling funds only, never money needed for rent, bills, food or other essentials.
• Keep a record of deposits, wagers and losses so your activity remains clear.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essentials or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Keep gambling separate from work, study, family time and other responsibilities.
• Talk openly with someone you trust about your gambling budget and habits.

It is also important to understand the games and the terms that apply before participating. Read the relevant information carefully, including any rules, wagering conditions, payment conditions and account requirements. If something is unclear, do not proceed until you have obtained an explanation or decided that the activity is not suitable for you.

Gambling can become difficult to manage gradually. A person may not notice a problem until gambling begins to affect money, relationships, work, study, health or general wellbeing. The following signs may suggest that additional support would be helpful:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling restless when not gambling.
• Increasing stakes to achieve the same level of excitement.
• Trying to win back money that has already been lost.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from others.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or selling items because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, irritable or low after gambling.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, health or other responsibilities.
• Attempting to stop or cut back but finding that you cannot.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.

One warning sign can be enough reason to pause and review your gambling. You do not need to wait for serious financial or personal harm before seeking help. Speaking with someone early can make it easier to understand what is happening and decide on practical next steps.

If gambling is affecting you

Stop gambling and consider using a time-out, account restriction or self-exclusion option. Remove saved payment details where possible, avoid gambling-related advertising and ask a trusted person to help you manage access to money or gambling accounts. Make a list of urgent financial commitments and focus on those first. Do not try to solve gambling losses by gambling again.

Support is available for players, partners, family members and friends. In Australia, you can contact Gambling Help Online or a relevant gambling support service in your state or territory. These services can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance. You may also speak with your GP or another qualified health professional. If gambling has contributed to an immediate risk to your safety or someone else's safety, contact local emergency services or seek urgent assistance.