Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and losses can happen. There is no guaranteed strategy or system that can predict the outcome of a casino game. Random results are not affected by previous wins or losses, and a losing session does not make a win more likely in the future. Avoid chasing losses, and never increase your stakes simply because you believe a result is due.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Only use money that is available after essential costs such as rent, mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, education and other regular commitments have been covered. Do not use borrowed money, credit intended for essential expenses or money set aside for someone else.

• Think of gambling spend as an entertainment cost, similar to other leisure activities.
• 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 separate from everyday financial responsibilities.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not rely on gambling to solve money problems or improve your mood.
• Accept losses as part of gambling and do not try to win them back.

It can also help to keep a simple record of your deposits, withdrawals, playing time and overall spending. Looking at your activity objectively may help you identify changes in your habits before they become difficult to manage. If gambling stops feeling enjoyable or begins to affect other parts of your life, stop playing and consider speaking with someone you trust.

Problem gambling can develop gradually. A person may begin by spending slightly more time or money than planned, then find it increasingly difficult to stop. You do not need to wait for a serious financial loss before taking action. Any concern about your gambling is a valid reason to pause and seek support.

The following signs may indicate that gambling is becoming difficult to control:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Feeling restless, irritated or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Hiding or minimising gambling activity, losses or deposits from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments to fund gambling.
• Using money needed for household expenses, work, study or other commitments.
• Gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back but being unable to do so.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social activities because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame or distress after playing, then gambling again to change those feelings.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust. A qualified gambling counsellor, financial counsellor, mental health professional or Australian gambling support service can help you make a plan without judgement. Support is available for people who gamble and for family members, partners and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

If you need immediate help

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide, violence or immediate danger, treat the situation as an emergency. Contact emergency services in Australia or seek urgent help from a hospital or qualified health professional. If you are concerned about another person, stay with them where it is safe to do so and encourage immediate professional support.

You can also look for Australian gambling counselling and financial counselling services through official government, health or community organisations. These services can provide confidential guidance, practical support and referrals. The right form of help depends on your circumstances, so consider speaking with a qualified professional even if you are not sure whether your gambling is a problem.