Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Gambling can be enjoyable when it remains within your budget and does not interfere with your everyday life. There is no guaranteed way to win, and every bet carries a risk of loss. Past results do not predict future results, and a losing run does not make a win more likely. Avoid viewing gambling as an investment, income source or solution to financial difficulties.

Take time to consider why you are gambling and how it fits into your wider routine. Playing should not affect your work, study, relationships, health or responsibilities. Do not gamble when you are upset, under pressure, tired or affected by alcohol or other substances. Make decisions before you start, rather than increasing your spending or playing time in the moment.

• Set a spending limit before you begin and stay within it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from gambling.
• Only use money available after essential costs, bills and other commitments have been covered.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, food, utilities, savings or debt repayments.
• Never chase losses by increasing your bets or gambling for longer.
• Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when feeling distressed, angry, lonely or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep your gambling activity private from people who may be affected by your decisions only when doing so would be safe; consider speaking openly with someone you trust.
• Remember that choosing not to gamble is always an available option.

A budget can help you understand how much you can afford to spend on entertainment. Decide the amount in advance and regard it as a cost, not as money that should be recovered. If the money is gone, stop for the day or for the period covered by your budget. Do not change your limit simply because you have lost or because you believe a win is due.

Recognising signs of harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it may affect finances, relationships, mental health and daily responsibilities. You do not need to wait until a serious problem has developed before seeking support. Early action can make it easier to regain control.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after losing.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling belongings to continue gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or its consequences.
• Feeling unable to stop or repeatedly breaking promises to reduce your gambling.
• Experiencing financial pressure, sleep problems or reduced wellbeing linked to gambling.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and review your access, spending and time limits. Tell someone you trust what is happening and seek independent support. Do not try to recover losses by gambling more. If gambling has contributed to urgent financial, emotional or personal distress, contact an appropriate professional or emergency service in your area.

Support in Australia

People in Australia can seek confidential information and support from recognised gambling-help services, financial counsellors, mental health professionals and local community organisations. Search for current services through official Australian government or state and territory health resources. You may also speak with your doctor or another qualified health professional. Support is available for people who gamble and for family members, friends and others affected by gambling.