Responsible Gambling
At our platform, we believe that gaming should be an enjoyable and entertaining experience for all our players. Responsible gambling is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to providing you with the tools, information, and support you need to maintain control of your gaming habits. Whether you’re a casual player or a regular visitor, understanding the importance of responsible gaming practices helps ensure that your time with us remains safe, fun, and within your means.
Understanding Problem Gambling
Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder, is a serious condition that can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or social status. It’s characterised by an inability to control gambling behaviour despite negative consequences, and it can lead to significant financial, emotional, and social difficulties. In Australia, problem gambling affects hundreds of thousands of people and their families each year. Understanding what constitutes problem gambling is the first step toward protecting yourself and recognising when help might be needed.
Problem gambling differs from recreational gaming in that it becomes a compulsive behaviour that interferes with daily life. Players may find themselves gambling more than intended, chasing losses, or neglecting important responsibilities. The condition can develop gradually, and many people don’t realise they have a problem until significant damage has occurred. This is why early recognition and intervention are so important.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Being aware of the signs of problem gambling can help you or someone you care about seek help early. These warning signs often develop over time, and it’s important to monitor your own behaviour and that of people around you.
| Warning Sign | What This Might Look Like |
|---|---|
| Increasing Time Spent Gaming | Spending more hours gambling than planned or intended |
| Chasing Losses | Continuing to gamble to try to win back money that’s been lost |
| Hiding or Lying About Gaming | Being secretive about how much you gamble or the money spent |
| Neglecting Responsibilities | Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling |
| Financial Problems | Borrowing money, missing bills, or experiencing debt due to gambling |
| Mood Changes | Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling |
| Loss of Control | Being unable to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to |
| Relationship Strain | Conflicts with family or friends over gambling habits |
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to take action. Early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing problem gambling from escalating further.
Responsible Gaming Tools and Controls
We provide a range of tools designed to help you maintain control over your gaming activities. These features allow you to set boundaries that work for your lifestyle and budget. Utilising these tools is an effective way to ensure your gaming remains enjoyable and responsible.
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you’re willing to deposit over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once this limit is reached, you won’t be able to deposit additional funds until the period resets.
- Loss Limits: Establish a ceiling for how much you’re willing to lose. When you reach this amount, your account will be temporarily restricted from further play.
- Time Limits: Set a specific duration for your gaming sessions. You’ll receive notifications when your time is running out, helping you disconnect when you’ve planned to stop.
- Reality Checks: Enable regular reminders during gameplay that show your current session duration and winnings or losses, helping you maintain perspective.
- Game Restrictions: Choose to exclude specific games or game types if you find certain games more problematic than others.
- Spending Tracker: Monitor your total spending across all gaming sessions to maintain awareness of your actual financial commitment.
These tools are available within your account settings and can be adjusted at any time. We encourage all players to actively use these features as part of their responsible gaming strategy.
Self-Exclusion and Time-Out Options
If you feel you need a break from gambling, or if you believe you might be developing a problem, self-exclusion is a powerful tool. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily exclude yourself from your account for a specified period, ranging from days to years. During this time, you won’t be able to access your account or place any bets.
A time-out is a shorter-term option than self-exclusion, typically lasting between 24 hours and several weeks. This gives you a cooling-off period while maintaining the option to return to gaming after your specified period ends. Both options are completely confidential and require no explanation.
To activate self-exclusion or request a time-out, simply visit your account settings or contact our customer support team. We take these requests seriously and will process them immediately. If you later wish to end your self-exclusion, there is a waiting period during which you must confirm your decision, providing additional protection against impulsive decisions.
Supporting Responsible Gaming in Families
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in preventing problem gambling, particularly among young people. It’s essential to educate children about the risks associated with gambling and to monitor their online activities.
- Age Verification: Our platform implements strict age verification procedures to ensure that only individuals aged 18 and over can access gaming services. Parents should be aware of their children’s online activities and ensure parental controls are activated on shared devices.
- Open Communication: Talk to young people about gambling, its risks, and why it’s important to make responsible choices. Create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing concerns without fear of judgment.
- Monitor Device Usage: Keep track of which websites children are visiting and set time limits on device usage. Use parental control software to restrict access to gambling sites.
- Teach Financial Responsibility: Help young people understand the value of money and the importance of budgeting. Explain how gambling odds work and why the house always has an advantage.
- Recognise Risk Factors: Be aware that young people with family histories of problem gambling, mental health issues, or peer pressure may be at higher risk.
- Seek Support: If you’re concerned about a young person’s gambling behaviour, contact professional organisations that specialise in youth gambling support.
Creating a supportive family environment that prioritises healthy attitudes toward money and entertainment can significantly reduce the risk of gambling problems developing in young people.
Getting Help and Support Services
If you’re struggling with problem gambling, please know that help is available and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Australia has several excellent organisations dedicated to assisting people affected by problem gambling.
| Organisation | Services Provided | Contact Method |
|---|---|---|
| Gamblers Help | Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families | 1800 858 858 (toll-free) |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Support groups and peer assistance based on 12-step recovery program | www.gamblersanonymous.org.au |
| BeGambleAware | Information, resources, and tools for self-assessment and understanding problem gambling | www.begambleaware.org |
| Lifeline | Crisis support and counselling for mental health issues including gambling-related stress | 13 11 14 (24/7) |
| Beyond Blue | Mental health support and counselling services that address gambling-related depression and anxiety | 1300 224 636 |
All of these organisations offer confidential support and are trained to help people dealing with gambling problems. Many services are free, and some operate on a 24-hour basis for crisis support. There’s no shame in reaching out—many people have successfully overcome problem gambling with appropriate professional help.
Practical Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Gaming
Beyond using the formal tools and controls, there are several practical strategies you can employ to ensure your gaming remains safe and enjoyable. These are simple habits that, when practised consistently, can significantly reduce your risk of developing problem gambling behaviour.
- Set a Budget: Before you start gaming, decide how much you can afford to lose without impacting your essential expenses. Treat this amount as entertainment spending, not as an investment.
- Never Chase Losses: Accept that losing is part of gambling. If you’ve lost your budgeted amount, stop playing. The urge to chase losses is one of the most dangerous behaviours in problem gambling.
- Take Regular Breaks: Step away from your device regularly. Taking breaks helps maintain perspective and prevents gaming from becoming all-consuming.
- Don’t Gamble When Emotional: Avoid gambling when you’re stressed, sad, angry, or dealing with difficult emotions. Gambling during these times often leads to poor decision-making and increased spending.
- Keep Gaming in Perspective: Remember that games are based on chance, and outcomes cannot be predicted or controlled. No strategy or superstition changes the odds.
- Avoid Gambling Alone: Occasionally gaming with others or in social settings can help keep your behaviour in check, as you’re more likely to be accountable.
- Balance Gaming with Other Activities: Maintain a variety of hobbies and interests. Don’t allow gaming to become your primary source of entertainment or social interaction.
- Review Your Spending Regularly: Check your gaming history and spending regularly. This awareness helps you catch any changes in your behaviour early.
By incorporating these practices into your gaming routine, you create a strong foundation for responsible play that protects both your financial wellbeing and your mental health.
Last updated: January 9, 2026