Responsible Gaming

Responsible gambling means making informed choices and keeping gambling within limits that are affordable and comfortable for you. Every form of gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Game outcomes are determined by the applicable game rules and results, not by how much you have already spent, how long you have been playing or whether you are trying to recover previous losses.

Gambling should not be treated as an income source, investment or financial plan. It is not a reliable way to pay bills, manage debt or solve money problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Essential costs may include housing, food, utilities, transport, education, debt repayments, healthcare, savings and other regular commitments.

Before you play, think about how gambling fits into your budget, routine and personal circumstances. Decide how much time and money you are prepared to spend, and make a commitment to stop when either limit is reached. Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or experiencing financial pressure. Strong emotions can make it more difficult to follow a plan.

• View gambling as paid entertainment rather than a method of earning money.
• Use only your own money and never borrow money to gamble.
• Keep gambling funds separate from money needed for daily living expenses.
• Do not chase losses by increasing bets or playing for longer.
• Take regular breaks and make time for work, study, family, friends and other interests.
• Keep track of deposits, bets and withdrawals so you understand your activity.
• Do not gamble to impress, influence or pressure another person.
• Never allow children or other unauthorised people to use your gambling account.

If you are under 18, you must not gamble. Adults should take reasonable steps to protect their account details, passwords and devices. If you think another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the relevant account security or support process. You should also avoid gambling while affected by alcohol, medication or any other substance that may impair your judgement.

It can be useful to discuss your gambling habits with someone you trust, particularly if you are unsure whether your spending is remaining within a comfortable range. An honest conversation can help you compare your intentions with your actual behaviour and identify changes before they become more difficult to manage.

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, experience or background. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change immediately. Paying attention to your behaviour, thoughts, feelings and finances can help you identify concerns early. A single sign does not necessarily mean that you have a gambling problem, but ongoing concerns or several signs together are a reason to pause and seek support.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money that has already been lost.
• Increasing bets or deposits to achieve the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop.
• Thinking about gambling frequently during the day or night.
• Hiding, minimising or being dishonest about your gambling activity.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing payments because of gambling.
• Using money intended for household expenses, savings or other commitments.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family activities to gamble.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial, social, emotional, relationship or health effects.

Other warning signs may include feeling that gambling is outside your control, being unable to take a meaningful break, hiding the amount you spend, or repeatedly promising yourself that you will stop and then continuing. You may also notice that gambling has become a priority over sleep, work, study, relationships, exercise or other activities that were previously important to you.

If gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, employment, study, health or emotional wellbeing, stop and seek assistance. Do not wait until the situation becomes more serious. Speaking with a trusted person can make it easier to take practical steps, such as reviewing your budget, limiting access to gambling funds, closing an account or arranging professional support.

If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, approach the conversation with care. Choose a private and calm time, explain what you have noticed without blame and encourage the person to seek help. You can offer support, but you cannot control another adult’s gambling or take responsibility for fixing the situation alone. Support is also available for family members and friends who are affected by someone else’s gambling.

Challenge common gambling beliefs

Past results do not determine future results. A game is not more likely to produce a particular outcome because you have been losing, and a winning result does not mean another win is due. Increasing a stake does not improve control over a random result. Keeping these points in mind can help you avoid chasing losses and making decisions based on false confidence or frustration.

There is no strategy that can guarantee a win or remove the financial risk of gambling. A result that feels close to a win is not a promise of a future win, and a losing session is not evidence that you are due a favourable outcome. Make decisions based on your pre-set limits rather than on predictions, emotions or the hope of recovering losses.