Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game outcome is determined by its rules and applicable random processes, not by how long you play, how much you spend or whether you have recently experienced a loss. A previous result does not make a future result more or less likely. You should only gamble with money that you can afford to lose without affecting your everyday needs, financial commitments or wellbeing.

Before you start, consider setting a personal budget for gambling and treating that amount as an entertainment expense. Keep gambling funds separate from money needed for rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, education, savings or other important commitments. Do not use credit, borrowed money or money intended for someone else to continue playing. If your budget is used, stop for the day or the period you have chosen.

Gambling should not be used as a solution to financial pressure, stress, loneliness or other personal problems. It is also best avoided when you are affected by alcohol, medication, fatigue, strong emotions or any other situation that may affect your judgement. Take regular breaks, keep track of time and spending, and make sure gambling does not replace sleep, work, study, relationships, exercise or other activities you value.

Important age and account responsibilities

You must be at least 18 years old to use gambling services in Australia. Do not allow another person, including a child or young person, to use your account or payment method. Keep your account credentials private and take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access. If you believe that someone under the required age has accessed an account, stop using the service and raise the matter through the available support or account channels.

• Set a gambling budget before playing and do not exceed it.
• Decide how long you will play and take regular breaks.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Never chase losses or increase stakes to try to recover money.
• Do not gamble when upset, intoxicated, tired or under pressure.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are uncertain and cannot be controlled.

Safer gambling tools and personal limits

Planning your limits in advance can make it easier to keep gambling within your chosen boundaries. Available safer gambling settings may vary according to your account, the service you use and applicable legal requirements. Where tools are available, you should consider using them before you begin playing rather than waiting until you feel concerned.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit or spending limit can help restrict the amount added to an account during a selected period. Choose an amount that is affordable and consistent with your overall budget. A limit is not a guarantee that you will win or remain within your broader financial plans, so continue to monitor your spending and account activity. Consider all gambling activity across different services when deciding what you can afford.

Time and activity breaks

Time reminders, session breaks and similar settings can help you notice how long you have been playing. You may also choose to schedule your own breaks, avoid playing at particular times and remove gambling applications or shortcuts from devices. A break should include enough time away from gambling to think clearly about your behaviour and whether it remains suitable for you.

Temporary breaks and self-exclusion

If you need more than a short break, you may be able to request a temporary account closure or self-exclusion. Self-exclusion is a formal decision to prevent or restrict access to gambling for a chosen period, subject to the applicable process and terms. If you request self-exclusion, do not create another account or use another person’s account to continue gambling. A self-exclusion request should be treated seriously, and you should consider seeking independent support at the same time.

Safer gambling tools are designed to support your decisions, but they cannot replace personal responsibility or professional help. If you are unable to keep to a limit, repeatedly change limits to continue playing or find that a break is difficult to maintain, stop gambling and seek assistance. You can also ask a trusted person to help you review your spending and support your decision to take time away.

1. Choose an affordable budget based on your income and essential expenses.
2. Set a time limit before starting a session.
3. Use available deposit, spending or activity controls.
4. Review your account activity regularly rather than relying on memory.
5. Take a longer break or request self-exclusion if gambling feels difficult to control.
6. Seek professional support if your limits are not working.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually and may affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and mental wellbeing. Some people may experience harm even when they gamble less often, while others may not notice a problem until the consequences become serious. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Consider your gambling carefully if you often think about gambling, feel restless when trying to stop, spend more time or money than planned, or return soon after losing money. Other warning signs include hiding or minimising your gambling, borrowing money, selling possessions, missing bills, neglecting responsibilities, arguing with family or friends, feeling guilty or anxious after playing, or gambling to escape difficult emotions.

Chasing losses is a particularly important warning sign. This means continuing to gamble or increasing the amount staked because you hope to win back money already lost. Losses cannot be recovered reliably through further gambling, and attempts to chase them can lead to larger losses and greater distress. Stop, record what has happened and seek independent guidance instead of trying to win back money.

Questions to ask yourself

• Have I spent more than I planned or more than I can comfortably afford?
• Have I tried to reduce or stop gambling but found it difficult?
• Do I gamble to cope with stress, sadness, boredom or other problems?
• Have I hidden gambling activity or losses from people close to me?
• Has gambling affected my bills, work, study, sleep or relationships?
• Have I borrowed money or sold items to continue gambling?
• Do I feel regret, anxiety or pressure after gambling?
• Would someone I trust be concerned about my gambling?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, consider stopping gambling and speaking with a qualified gambling counsellor or another trusted support professional. You can also talk with a family member, friend, financial counsellor or health professional. Asking for help is a practical step and does not require you to prove that your situation is severe.

Getting help and protecting your wellbeing

Free and confidential gambling support is available to people in Australia, including people affected by someone else’s gambling. National and state or territory support services can provide information, counselling, financial guidance and referrals to appropriate local organisations. You may also speak with your general practitioner, a mental health professional, a financial counsellor or a trusted person in your support network.

Support can cover more than gambling itself. A qualified professional may help you understand triggers, make a plan to stop or reduce gambling, manage urges, address debt and rebuild communication with family members. If you are supporting someone else, you can seek advice for yourself as well. Setting boundaries around money, refusing to provide funds for gambling and protecting shared accounts may be appropriate, depending on your circumstances.

If you want to stop now

1. Stop playing and do not try to recover recent losses.
2. Use available account closure, break or self-exclusion options.
3. Remove saved payment details and avoid carrying extra gambling funds.
4. Tell a trusted person what you have decided and ask for practical support.
5. Contact a gambling support service, financial counsellor or health professional.
6. Review bills, debts and essential expenses before making further financial decisions.

If gambling has contributed to immediate financial, relationship or safety concerns, seek urgent help from an appropriate local service. If you feel at risk of harming yourself or another person, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in your area without delay. Your safety comes first.

Anonymous Casino encourages players to make informed decisions and use responsible gambling measures whenever needed. Our responsible gaming information is general in nature and does not replace professional financial, legal, medical or counselling advice. Gambling is optional, and taking a break or choosing not to gamble is always a valid decision.