Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling involves risk. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or outcome that can ensure a win. Games may be based partly or entirely on chance, and previous results do not determine what happens next. A winning streak does not mean that another win is due, while a loss does not make a win more likely. Each wager is a separate decision, and money used for gambling may be lost.

Only gamble with money that you can comfortably afford to lose after essential expenses have been covered. Gambling should never come before rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, education, debt repayments or other household commitments. Do not use borrowed money, credit intended for essential expenses or funds set aside for someone else. If losing the amount would cause financial stress, it is not an appropriate amount to gamble.

• Set a spending limit before you start and keep to it.
• Decide how much time you will spend gambling and take regular breaks.
• Keep track of deposits, wagers, wins and losses.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Never chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing for longer than planned.
• Do not gamble to solve financial problems or change your mood.
• Treat gambling as one form of entertainment, not as a source of regular income.
• Stop when your planned budget or session time has been reached.

Planning before a gambling session can make it easier to stay in control. Consider choosing your maximum spend and session length before opening a game. Once a limit is reached, stop rather than making an exception. It may also help to keep gambling separate from everyday spending and to review your activity regularly. If gambling no longer feels enjoyable or affordable, take a break and consider seeking independent advice.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people of different ages, incomes, backgrounds and levels of experience. It may develop gradually, and the impact may not be obvious until gambling affects finances, relationships, work, study, physical health or general wellbeing. Asking for help is a responsible decision and can make it easier to take practical steps.

Consider stopping gambling and seeking independent support if you identify with one or more of the following signs:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by placing further bets or increasing stakes.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills to continue gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family or friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you are not gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships, health or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Making repeated promises to stop or reduce gambling but finding this difficult.
• Experiencing conflict with people close to you because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or hopelessness after gambling.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to take a break.
• Using money intended for essential expenses or other people’s needs.

These signs do not provide a diagnosis, but they are reasons to pause and take the situation seriously. Start by stopping gambling, avoiding further deposits and speaking openly with someone you trust. A qualified counsellor, financial counsellor, health professional or independent gambling support service can help you understand your options and make a plan.

If gambling has caused financial pressure, consider contacting an independent financial counselling service in your area. Do not borrow more money to repay gambling debts, and be cautious of anyone promising to recover losses or guarantee future wins. If gambling has contributed to immediate distress or you feel unsafe, contact an appropriate emergency or crisis service in Australia.