Responsible Gaming

Set a Spending Limit

Decide how much you are comfortable spending before you enter a gaming area. The amount should come from money you can afford to use for entertainment after essential living costs and financial commitments have been covered.

A spending limit is most useful when it is decided in advance and not increased in response to wins, losses or the amount of time already spent playing. Avoid borrowing money or using funds intended for rent, bills, food, transport or other essentials.

Set a Time Limit

Choose how long you plan to remain in a gaming area before play begins. It can help to set a reminder on your phone, arrange another activity afterwards or decide on a clear leaving time.

Long sessions can make it harder to keep track of time and spending. If you reach the time you planned, consider ending the session rather than extending it because of a recent result.

Take Regular Breaks

Step away from gaming regularly. A break can help you check how long you have been playing, review your spending and decide whether you still want to continue.

Use breaks to reconnect with the wider venue environment, have water or a meal, speak with friends or simply leave the gaming area for a period of time. Gambling should remain only one optional part of an entertainment visit.

Avoid Chasing Losses

Chasing losses means increasing gambling in an attempt to recover money that has already been lost. Previous outcomes do not create an obligation for a future outcome to compensate for them.

If you notice that you are spending more, staying longer or changing your normal limits because you want to “get even”, consider stopping the session. Taking a break or leaving the venue can create distance from an impulsive decision.

Keep Gambling Separate from Income

Gambling should not be treated as a source of income, an investment strategy or a way to solve financial pressure. Outcomes are uncertain and money spent on gambling can be lost.

Keep gambling expenditure separate from household budgets, savings, business money and credit. If financial pressure is influencing your gambling decisions, consider seeking independent financial or counselling support.

Recognise Possible Warning Signs

Possible warning signs can include spending more than intended, gambling for longer than planned, trying repeatedly to recover losses, borrowing money to gamble, hiding gambling from people close to you or missing work, family or financial obligations.

Other signs may include feeling restless when trying to reduce gambling, thinking about gambling for much of the day or continuing despite negative effects. Experiencing one or more warning signs can be a reason to stop, reassess your limits and speak with a support service.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary option that can help a person create a stronger barrier between themselves and gambling. Depending on the venue and jurisdiction, a person may be able to request exclusion from specified physical gambling venues for a set period.

Venue staff can provide information about the self-exclusion process that applies at the relevant location. Online wagering self-exclusion is separate from venue-based arrangements and is managed through the systems that apply to online gambling services.

Support Services

Independent support is available to people affected by gambling, including family members and friends. Gambling Help Online provides free and confidential support across Australia, including online counselling and telephone support.

You can call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or visit Gambling Help Online for online chat, information and local support options.

If there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety, contact emergency services on 000.