Responsible Gaming

Gambling should stay fun and within your limits

Online gambling involves real money and carries a risk of loss. There is no guaranteed way to win, and past results do not predict future outcomes. Games are designed to produce uncertain results, so a winning session does not mean that another win is due. Treat every wager as entertainment spending and only use money you can afford to lose.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. These decisions are easier to make before gambling starts, rather than during an exciting or disappointing session. Once you have set a personal limit, avoid increasing it to chase a win or recover losses. Taking regular breaks can also help you remain aware of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.

• Set a spending limit based on your disposable income, not money needed for rent, bills, food, savings or other essentials.
• Set a time limit and take breaks away from the website or app.
• Keep gambling separate from important financial decisions and household expenses.
• Never borrow money, use credit intended for essentials or sell belongings to gamble.
• Do not gamble when you are angry, upset, tired, affected by alcohol or affected by other drugs.
• Remember that losses cannot be guaranteed to return, and chasing them can increase harm.

Responsible gambling also means being honest with yourself about your reasons for playing. If gambling has stopped feeling like a choice, or if you are hiding it from people close to you, consider taking a break and seeking support.

Account tools and personal limits

Depending on the account features available to you, you may be able to use tools that help you manage your play. These may include deposit limits, wagering or spending limits, time reminders, reality checks, account activity information, temporary breaks and self-exclusion. The availability and operation of a particular tool may depend on your account, location and the applicable requirements.

Set limits before you play

A limit is most useful when it is realistic, clear and set in advance. Consider setting a daily, weekly or monthly amount that fits within your budget. You can also decide how long a session should last. Monitor your account activity regularly so you can compare your actual gambling with the limits you intended to follow.

Take a break when you need one

A temporary break can help you step away from gambling and think about your habits without the pressure of an active session. During a break, do not create another account or use another person’s account to continue gambling. If you find that a short break is not enough, consider self-exclusion or speak with a qualified support service.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger step for people who want to prevent themselves from gambling for a chosen period or longer. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not attempt to bypass the arrangement. You should also consider blocking gambling websites or applications, removing saved payment methods and asking a trusted person to support you. Self-exclusion does not remove any financial or other responsibilities that already exist on an account.

If you are unsure which control is suitable, choose the option that gives you more protection and seek independent advice. Account controls are helpful tools, but they should be used alongside a personal budget and honest monitoring of your behaviour.

Recognising signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. It may affect your finances, relationships, work, study, health and emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to change your habits and reduce the impact on you and the people around you.

Possible warning signs include:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Increasing the amount of a wager to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or feeling unable to stop after a win.
• Gambling with money set aside for bills, food, rent, savings or other commitments.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or hiding transactions to continue gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or allowing it to interfere with work, study, sleep or relationships.
• Missing appointments, avoiding responsibilities or withdrawing from family and friends.
• Feeling shame, guilt, stress or low mood because of gambling.
• Using gambling to cope with loneliness, difficult emotions, financial pressure or other problems.

One warning sign may be enough reason to pause and review your gambling. If several signs apply, stop gambling and seek support as soon as possible. A trusted friend, family member, financial counsellor, health professional or gambling support service can help you make a plan without judgement.

Practical steps if gambling is becoming difficult

If you are concerned about your gambling, take immediate, practical steps to create distance from it. Log out of your account, use an available break or self-exclusion option, and avoid opening another account. Remove gambling applications and saved payment details from your devices if doing so will make it harder to play impulsively.

1. Stop gambling and write down the reasons you want to change.
2. Review recent transactions and work out whether essential expenses have been affected.
3. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to help you stay accountable.
4. Create a basic budget that prioritises housing, food, utilities, debts and other necessary costs.
5. Contact an independent gambling support or financial counselling service in your state or territory.
6. Speak with a doctor or mental health professional if gambling is affecting your sleep, mood, relationships or safety.
7. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis service in your area.

You do not have to manage gambling concerns alone. Support services can help with practical strategies, financial issues, emotional stress and conversations with family members. Assistance may be available in person, online or by telephone, depending on the service and your location.

Be cautious of anyone who promises to recover gambling losses, guarantee a win or provide a secret system. There is no reliable strategy that removes the risk of gambling. Avoid sharing account credentials, payment information or personal documents with people who claim they can win money back for you.

Protecting yourself and others

You must meet the applicable minimum age requirement to use an online gambling service. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account. Keep your login details private, use a secure password and log out on shared devices. If you believe someone else has accessed your account, change your password and contact the service through the available account support channels.

Do not gamble on behalf of another person, allow another person to use your account or ask someone else to place wagers for you. These actions can create financial, legal and account security risks. Protect your payment methods and monitor your bank or payment account for transactions you do not recognise.

Friends and family can play an important role in identifying harm. If you are worried about someone else, choose a calm time to talk, explain what you have noticed and listen without blame. Encourage them to use account controls and contact an independent support service. Do not provide money to fund gambling or help them continue gambling in secret.

Fair Go Casino provides responsible gambling information and may offer account management tools, but no gambling operator can remove the inherent risks of gambling. The safest approach is to gamble only occasionally, within a predetermined budget, and to stop whenever gambling no longer feels controlled or enjoyable.