Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk. There is no guaranteed way to win, and past results do not predict future outcomes. Games may be based on chance or other game features, and the house may have an advantage. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs, financial commitments and everyday expenses have been covered.

Before you play, consider why you are gambling and decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. A clear plan can make it easier to keep gambling within limits. If you feel stressed, upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or under financial pressure, taking a break is usually the safer choice.

Useful principles for safer play

• Treat gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income.
• Set a budget before you start and do not increase it to chase losses.
• Keep track of the time you spend playing as well as the money you spend.
• Do not borrow money, use essential household funds or sell possessions to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when you are angry, distressed, exhausted or affected by alcohol or other drugs.
• Do not rely on gambling to manage financial, relationship or emotional problems.
• Accept that losing is part of gambling and that a win does not guarantee another win.
• Take regular breaks and step away when your planned session or budget ends.
• Keep your account details private and do not allow another person to gamble through your account.
• Make sure gambling is permitted for you under the laws that apply to your location.

If gambling stops feeling like a choice and starts feeling like something you must do, this may be a sign that extra support is needed. Speaking with someone early can help you regain control before difficulties become more serious. You do not need to wait until gambling has caused major financial or personal harm before taking action.

Separate gambling from everyday finances

Gambling money should always be separate from money needed for rent, mortgage payments, food, utilities, education, medical care and other essential commitments. Consider setting a personal spending amount before opening a session and stopping when that amount has been reached. Do not use credit, loans or money intended for someone else to continue playing.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It is not defined only by the amount of money lost. A concern may exist when gambling takes more time, attention or money than intended, or when it causes stress and continues despite negative consequences.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back losses by continuing to gamble or increasing the amount wagered.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or cut down.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account information from family, friends or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or using savings intended for important needs.
• Selling belongings or taking financial risks to continue gambling.
• Gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, relationships or other responsibilities.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop.
• Feeling shame, hopelessness or distress because of gambling.

One warning sign does not automatically mean that a person has a gambling disorder, but it is a reason to pause and review what is happening. Several signs, or any sign that is causing harm, should be taken seriously. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Steps you can take

1. Stop playing and avoid trying to recover losses through further gambling.
2. Use an available limit, timeout, self-exclusion or account closure option.
3. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
4. Review your finances and protect money needed for rent, food, bills and other essentials.
5. Seek advice from a qualified gambling support or health service in Australia.
6. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis service in your area.

Support is available for people who gamble and for family members, friends and other people affected by gambling. Professional services can provide confidential guidance about gambling, finances, relationships and mental health. You can choose a service that suits your circumstances and ask about the support options available in your state or territory.

Protecting your finances and relationships

If gambling has affected your finances, consider speaking with an independent financial counsellor or another qualified adviser. You may also wish to ask a trusted person to help monitor spending, manage access to funds or support a break from gambling. Honest conversations can be difficult, but involving someone you trust may reduce isolation and make it easier to follow a plan.