Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Before you play, decide how gambling fits into your budget and free time. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been paid. Essential costs may include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, transport, education, medical expenses, debt repayments and savings. Gambling funds should never come from money set aside for these priorities.

There is no guaranteed strategy for winning casino games. Outcomes are based on chance, and previous results do not predict what will happen next. A winning session does not mean another win is due, while a losing session cannot be repaired by continuing to play. Avoid chasing losses, increasing your stake to recover money or treating gambling as an investment.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before you begin and stop when you reach it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the game.
• Keep gambling separate from household money, credit commitments and savings.
• Do not borrow money, use funds belonging to another person or sell possessions to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape a personal problem.
• Do not gamble while at work, studying, driving or responsible for children or other people who need your attention.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, time played and results so your activity remains visible.
• Treat wins as part of the gambling experience rather than a reason to increase your budget.

It can help to tell someone you trust about your limits. A partner, family member or friend may provide useful accountability and notice changes that are harder to see yourself. If you share finances with someone else, consider agreeing on clear household rules before gambling.

Recognising when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling problems can develop gradually and can affect people of any age, background or financial position. You may wish to pause and seek advice if any of the following statements describe your experience:

• You spend more time or money gambling than you intended.
• You often think about gambling, plan your day around it or feel restless when you cannot play.
• You chase losses or believe a large win will solve financial difficulties.
• You hide, minimise or misrepresent your gambling to family, friends or colleagues.
• You borrow money, use credit, miss payments or sell belongings to continue gambling.
• You reduce time spent on work, study, family, friends, exercise or other interests.
• You feel anxious, guilty, irritable, depressed or ashamed because of gambling.
• You gamble to escape loneliness, stress, grief, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• You have tried to stop or cut back but have not been able to do so.
• Your relationships, employment, health or financial security are being affected.

One sign can be enough to justify a break and a conversation with someone you trust. You do not need to wait for a crisis, major debt or relationship breakdown before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to understand what is happening and choose practical next steps.

If you are concerned about someone else

Approach the conversation calmly and choose a private time. Focus on what you have noticed and how it affects you, rather than making accusations. Encourage the person to use account restrictions and speak with an independent gambling support service. Protect shared finances by reviewing access to accounts, payment methods and household budgets, while remembering that you cannot control another adult's decisions on their behalf.

If gambling has contributed to threats, violence, immediate financial danger or thoughts of self-harm, treat the situation as urgent. Contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis service in your area. Personal safety should always come before gambling, money or account access.