Responsible Gaming

Responsible gambling means staying in control of how often you play, how long you play and how much money you spend. Before opening a game or placing a wager, decide what you can comfortably afford to lose. This amount should come from your spare entertainment budget and should never be money needed for rent, household bills, food, school costs, loan repayments or other essential expenses.

There is no guaranteed strategy for winning at casino games. Outcomes are determined by chance, and previous results do not predict what will happen next. A win does not mean that another win is due, and a loss cannot be recovered simply by continuing to play. Do not chase losses, borrow money to gamble or increase your stake because you feel that a result is about to change.

Try to keep gambling separate from other parts of your life. Avoid playing when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or experiencing financial pressure. It can also help to avoid gambling as a response to boredom, stress or loneliness. Choose activities that do not involve gambling and make time for family, friends, exercise and other interests.

Practical habits that can help

• Set a spending limit and a time limit before you begin.
• Treat every wager as an entertainment expense, not an investment.
• Keep a record of deposits, wagers and withdrawals so you can see your overall activity.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing for longer than planned.
• Never chase losses or gamble with borrowed money.
• Do not use gambling to deal with stress, sadness or other difficult emotions.
• Talk openly with someone you trust about your gambling habits.
• Stop playing if gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, work, study or wellbeing.

Problem gambling can affect anyone. It is not always measured by the amount of money lost. Gambling may be becoming harmful if it takes more time, attention or money than you intended, or if you feel unable to stop even when you want to. Early action can help prevent a difficult situation from becoming more serious.

Possible warning signs

• You spend more money or time gambling than planned.
• You try to win back money after a loss.
• You increase your bets to get the same level of excitement.
• You think about gambling throughout the day or find it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• You hide or minimise your gambling from family, friends or colleagues.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• You use money set aside for bills, savings or other essentials.
• You borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to continue gambling.
• You miss work, study, appointments or social activities because of gambling.
• Gambling causes arguments, relationship problems or financial stress.
• You feel guilt, shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.
• You continue gambling even though it is harming your health, finances or relationships.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop and take the concern seriously. Log out, remove access to available funds if you can do so safely, and speak with someone you trust. You do not need to wait until a problem becomes severe before asking for help. A qualified gambling counsellor or health professional can help you understand what is happening and work through practical next steps.

Getting support in Australia

Free and confidential gambling support is available in Australia through recognised gambling-help services, state and territory support programs, community health providers and qualified counsellors. Search for an Australian gambling support service in your state or territory, or speak with your doctor or another trusted health professional. Support may be available for people who gamble as well as their partners, family members and friends.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide or immediate danger, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia without delay. If you are worried about another person, encourage them to seek professional assistance and make sure they are not left alone when there is an immediate safety concern.