Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Responsible gambling means keeping gambling within limits that are affordable, planned and proportionate to the rest of your life. Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat this amount as an entertainment cost, similar to spending on a meal, a film or another leisure activity. Only use money that remains available after essential expenses, savings and other financial commitments have been covered.

Casino games involve chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Previous results do not change the odds of future results. A winning session does not mean another win is due, and a losing session does not create an obligation for the game to compensate you. Do not view gambling as an investment, a source of income or a solution to debt. Never rely on gambling to pay bills, meet financial commitments or improve your financial situation.

Habits that can support safer play

• Set a spending limit before you begin and stop when that limit is reached.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling money separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, education or family responsibilities.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell belongings to continue gambling.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to escape a difficult situation.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, playing time and losses so your activity remains clear.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family, friends, exercise and other interests.
• Talk to someone you trust if you notice that gambling is becoming more important in your daily life.

A limit is most useful when it is decided before gambling starts. Changing a limit during a session can make it easier to spend more than intended. If you find that your planned limit is difficult to follow, stop playing and consider taking a longer break or asking for support. You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious before changing your habits.

Check how gambling fits into your wider budget. Consider regular expenses, debts, savings goals and other commitments before deciding whether you can afford to play. If gambling would require you to delay a bill, reduce essential spending or depend on borrowed money, it is not affordable and you should not continue.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It can develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the problem until the consequences become serious. You do not need to wait for a crisis before taking a break or seeking help. A concern is enough reason to review your activity and make a change.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or believing that a big win will solve financial problems.
• Increasing stakes to achieve the same excitement or make up for earlier losses.
• Thinking about gambling frequently when you are working, studying or spending time with others.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or debts from family, friends or people you trust.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or using savings to continue gambling.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty, ashamed or low when you cannot gamble.
• Arguing with family or friends about gambling or avoiding social activities because of it.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, health or other responsibilities.
• Trying to stop or cut back but returning to gambling sooner or spending more than intended.
• Gambling to cope with stress, sadness, loneliness, boredom or other difficult emotions.
• Feeling that gambling is out of control or that you need to keep playing despite negative consequences.

One warning sign does not define a person, but several signs may indicate that support would be useful. Be honest when reviewing your activity. Look at the amount of money and time spent, how often you think about gambling and whether gambling has changed your relationships or responsibilities. Avoid judging yourself. Gambling harm can affect people from different backgrounds and financial circumstances.

Getting support

If gambling is causing concern, consider speaking with a trusted family member, friend, qualified counsellor, financial counsellor or health professional. An Australian gambling-support service may be able to provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance. Support can help you understand your behaviour, manage urges, address financial stress and plan a break or other next steps.

You can also contact the relevant support service in your state or territory, or seek help through a health professional. If you are supporting someone else, approach the conversation calmly, focus on specific behaviours and offer practical help without taking control of their decisions. If gambling has created debt or financial pressure, consider getting independent financial advice and avoid taking on further debt to cover gambling losses.

If you feel unsafe, are in immediate danger or are thinking about harming yourself, stop gambling and contact emergency services or an urgent mental health service in your area. Gambling losses are never a reason to put your safety at risk.