Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling outcomes are based on chance. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can predict a result, and previous wins or losses do not change the odds of future play. A win should not be treated as proof that a particular approach will continue to work. In the same way, a loss does not mean that a win is due or that you should keep playing to recover money.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably spend as part of your entertainment budget. Only use money that is available after essential costs such as housing, food, bills, education, transport and other commitments have been covered. Never use borrowed money, credit intended for important expenses, emergency savings or money set aside for someone else.

It is important to treat gambling spend as a cost of entertainment. A budget should be a firm limit, rather than an amount you hope to win back. If you reach your limit, stop playing. Do not increase the limit during a session because you are chasing a win, feeling frustrated or trying to recover a loss.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before you begin and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and essential bills.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not borrow money or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Do not chase losses or increase bets to try to recover money.
• Keep track of deposits, wagers and losses so your overall spending remains clear.
• Balance gambling with work, family, social activities, exercise and other interests.

Tools and steps to reduce or stop gambling

If you want to reduce your gambling, start with a clear plan. You can choose to take a short break, set stricter limits or stop gambling altogether. The most suitable option depends on your circumstances. If limits are difficult to follow, a stronger restriction or self-exclusion may provide additional protection.

Consider these actions

1. Decide whether you want to reduce gambling or stop completely.
2. Review your gambling activity and identify times, places or emotions that trigger play.
3. Set realistic deposit, spending, session or time limits where available.
4. Use account restriction, cooling-off or self-exclusion options where available.
5. Remove saved payment details and make it harder to access gambling funds.
6. Tell a trusted person about your plan and ask them to support your boundaries.
7. Create a budget for essential expenses and consider speaking with a financial counsellor.
8. Replace gambling time with activities that support your health, relationships and routine.
9. Seek professional support if you return to gambling after deciding to stop.

A cooling-off period can provide time away from gambling without making a permanent decision. Self-exclusion is a more formal step that restricts access for a selected period or according to the available arrangements. Before requesting any restriction, review the applicable information carefully so you understand how it operates. Once a restriction is active, do not try to bypass it by creating another account or using another person’s account.

Account limits and other tools can assist with responsible gambling, but they are not a substitute for personal judgment or professional advice. If you believe you have lost control, stop gambling and seek independent support as soon as possible.