Responsible Gaming

Gambling should remain entertainment

Online gambling involves financial risk and outcomes are determined by chance. No strategy can guarantee a win, and past results do not influence future results. A winning session does not mean that another win is due, while a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to play. It is important to accept that you may lose the money you choose to gamble.

Only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose after essential expenses have been paid. Gambling funds should never come from rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, education, medical costs or money set aside for other important commitments. Do not borrow money, use credit to chase losses or sell belongings to continue gambling.

Set a personal budget before you begin and regard that budget as the maximum you are prepared to spend. Consider setting both a time limit and a spending limit. When either limit is reached, stop playing, even if you are winning, losing or feel that a favourable result may be close. Taking regular breaks can help you remain aware of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.

• Gamble only when you are calm, alert and able to make clear decisions.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household money and savings.
• Do not view gambling as employment, an investment or a dependable source of income.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Keep track of deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses and the time spent gambling.
• Discuss your limits with someone you trust if you find it difficult to follow them alone.

Gambling should not interfere with your relationships, work, study, health, sleep or daily responsibilities. If it begins to affect these areas, treat that as a reason to pause and review your gambling rather than as a reason to continue.

Recognising signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it may affect anyone. A person does not need to gamble every day or lose a large amount of money to experience a problem. Changes in mood, finances, relationships and behaviour can all be signs that gambling is becoming difficult to control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently, including while working, studying or spending time with family.
• Increasing your stakes to achieve the same excitement or to try to recover previous losses.
• Returning to gambling soon after losing in an attempt to win money back.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from people close to you.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using funds intended for essential expenses.
• Feeling restless, irritable, anxious or unhappy when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back but finding that you cannot keep them.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, relationships, health or other interests.
• Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety or difficult experiences.
• Feeling guilt, shame or hopelessness because of gambling.
• Continuing to gamble despite clear financial, personal or emotional consequences.

One or more of these signs may indicate that it is time to take a break and seek support. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speaking with a trusted person, health professional or gambling support service can provide an objective perspective and practical next steps.

If gambling is causing severe distress or you feel unsafe, prioritise your immediate wellbeing and contact appropriate emergency or mental health support in your area. If you are concerned that someone else may be at immediate risk, encourage them to seek urgent assistance and remain with them where it is safe to do so.

Tools and steps to help you stay in control

There are several practical steps that may help you manage your gambling. The most effective approach will depend on your circumstances. You can start with a short break, reduce access to gambling, or request stronger restrictions if you are finding it difficult to stop.

Create a personal plan

1. Decide in advance how much time and money you are willing to spend.
2. Record your limits and check them before every gambling session.
3. Stop when your time or spending limit is reached.
4. Schedule regular days or longer periods without gambling.
5. Remove saved payment details and avoid keeping easily accessible gambling funds.
6. Use banking controls, where available, to restrict gambling transactions or manage spending.
7. Tell a trusted person about your plan and ask them to support your goals.
8. Review your gambling records regularly and change your plan if it is not working.

Take a break or request exclusion

If you want to stop gambling temporarily or permanently, contact the relevant support or account team through the available account channels and ask about the options that may apply. Depending on the service and your circumstances, options can include account closure, a temporary break, longer-term self-exclusion, deposit controls, spending limits, time limits or other access restrictions. Ask for clear information about how any restriction operates before you request it.

Do not open another account or use another person's account to get around a restriction. Do not ask someone else to gamble on your behalf. These actions can make it harder to regain control and may create additional financial, personal or account-related problems. If you have requested a restriction, use the time away to seek support and consider blocking gambling websites or applications on your devices.

If you choose to close your account, first make sure you understand any pending account matters and keep a record of your request. Account closure or a gambling break may be useful, but it is not a substitute for professional support when gambling has become harmful.

Getting help and supporting someone else

Support is available for people who gamble and for family members, friends and others affected by gambling. You can speak with a qualified health professional, financial counsellor, mental health practitioner or recognised Australian gambling support service. These services can help you understand what is happening, plan a break, manage financial concerns and identify suitable ongoing support. You can ask for confidential guidance even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a serious problem.

When seeking help, explain how often you gamble, how much time and money it involves, whether you have tried to stop, and what impact it has had on your life. Being honest allows the person supporting you to suggest more appropriate options. You may also wish to speak with your bank about transaction controls, a financial counsellor about debts, or a medical professional about stress, sleep, anxiety or other health concerns.

If you are concerned about another person

• Choose a calm and private time to talk.
• Describe what you have noticed without blaming, threatening or judging them.
• Listen carefully and allow them to explain how gambling is affecting them.
• Encourage them to contact a qualified support service or health professional.
• Avoid lending money or covering up gambling-related problems if doing so may enable further harm.
• Set clear boundaries around shared finances, accounts and household responsibilities.
• Seek support for yourself, because another person's gambling can also affect your wellbeing.

A person may deny that gambling is a problem or may not be ready to stop. You cannot control another person's decisions, but you can protect your own finances, safety and wellbeing. If there is family conflict, financial abuse, threats or any risk of violence, seek appropriate specialist assistance and prioritise safety.

7Signs Casino encourages players to make informed decisions and to ask for help early. This page is general information only and does not replace professional financial, medical or counselling advice. If gambling is no longer enjoyable or is causing harm, stop playing, use the available account restriction options and contact a suitable support service as soon as possible.