Responsible Gambling

Gambling is a form of entertainment for adults only. Every player should decide in advance how much time and money to spend on their sessions, without using funds needed for daily costs or financial obligations. Wins are not guaranteed, and play should never be treated as a source of income, an investment or a way to fix money troubles.

Principles for playing responsibly

Before starting a session, set a maximum kitty that fits your finances and stick to it. A few simple habits keep play under control.

• Set a clear time limit and take regular breaks
• Stop once you reach the cap you decided on
• Never raise your stakes to chase back a loss
• Avoid loans, shared cards or money that belongs to others
• Do not play when tired, stressed, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances

Play does not guarantee winnings

The results of pokies and other games depend on the rules and systems built into each title. An earlier win does not raise the chance of winning in the next session, and a run of losses does not mean a prize is due. Values such as theoretical return to player are worked out over a very large number of rounds and do not predict an individual result. Every bet carries a real chance of losing the full amount staked.

Signs of problem behaviour

Play can become a problem when a player can no longer keep to the limits they set. Some warning signs are worth watching for.

• Steadily raising the amounts staked
• Frequent attempts to win back losses
• Hiding the activity from family or friends
• Using money meant for other costs
• Irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping or fading interest in work, study or relationships

Self-assessment questions

Ask yourself now and then whether you are spending more than planned, thinking about play often or struggling to stop after a loss. Consider too whether you have taken out loans, neglected important duties or given false information to hide the time spent on sessions. A yes to one or more of these is not a diagnosis, but it suggests it may be time to pause and talk to someone you trust or a professional.

Limits and breaks from play

Control tools can help you keep a more balanced approach. You can set financial limits, pause access for a while or request account closure from your personal area. If a feature is not visible, contact support to find out which measures apply. During a break, do not open new accounts or look for other platforms to keep playing.

Protecting minors

Access to gambling services is banned for anyone under 18. Adults who share a device with minors should protect their login details, avoid saving passwords automatically and log out after each session. It is wise to switch on parental controls and block access to saved payment methods. An adult’s personal data should never be used to open or fund an account for a minor.

Support for family and friends

Problem behaviour can affect family, partners and friends too. If you are worried about someone close, raise it calmly and stick to what you have observed, avoiding accusations or threats. Do not lend money to keep the play going, and do not cover debts without addressing the cause. You can encourage the person to pause and turn to specialised support services available in Australia.

When to seek help

Seek help when play leads to debt, personal conflict, missed work, emotional strain or loss of control. Stopping in time can limit the financial and personal fallout. Free support is available across Australia at any hour.

• Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858, free 24/7 chat, email and phone support
• Lifeline — 13 11 14 for wider mental health and crisis support
• BetStop — the national self-exclusion register for all AU-licensed sites