Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity when it remains within your budget and does not interfere with other parts of your life. Games are based on chance, and every result is independent. Previous wins or losses do not change the odds of a future result. There is no guaranteed strategy for winning, and a loss cannot be recovered simply by continuing to play.

Before you start, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Consider this amount the cost of entertainment rather than an investment. Once your planned budget or session time has been reached, stop playing. Avoid increasing your budget because you feel confident, frustrated or determined to win back money.

• Only gamble with money that is available after essential living costs, bills and other financial commitments.
• Set a spending limit before you begin and avoid changing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the game.
• Do not chase losses or treat gambling as a source of income.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, food, utilities, education or family expenses.

Gambling should never be used to pay debts, improve your financial position or replace employment income. If gambling is affecting your ability to meet everyday expenses, stop playing and seek independent financial or professional support.

Gambling problems can develop gradually. You do not need to wait until there is a serious financial or personal consequence before seeking help. Consider taking a break and getting support if gambling is becoming more frequent, more expensive or more difficult to control.

• You spend more time or money gambling than you planned.
• You keep trying to win back losses or increase your stakes after losing.
• You borrow money, sell possessions or use funds set aside for essential expenses.
• You hide your gambling, account activity or losses from family, friends or other people close to you.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
• You think about gambling throughout the day or find it difficult to focus on work, study or relationships.
• You miss work, appointments, sleep or social activities because of gambling.
• You gamble to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• You continue gambling even after it has caused financial, relationship, work or emotional problems.
• People close to you have expressed concern about how much or how often you gamble.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop playing and speak with a qualified gambling counsellor or another trusted professional. Support is available for people who gamble as well as for family members and friends affected by someone else’s gambling. Independent help can provide practical guidance without judgement.

A simple plan for taking a break

1. Stop gambling and withdraw from any active session.
2. Use the account tools available to set a limit, temporary restriction or self-exclusion.
3. Tell a trusted person what you are doing and ask them to support your decision.
4. Remove saved payment methods and avoid carrying easy access to money intended for essential expenses.
5. Write down the reasons you are taking a break and review them when you feel an urge to gamble.
6. Contact an independent gambling support service, counsellor or health professional.
7. If gambling has caused debt or financial stress, seek independent financial counselling before making further payments or borrowing money.

If gambling is causing concern, you do not have to manage it alone. Speak with someone you trust and contact an Australian gambling support service, qualified counsellor, health professional or independent financial counsellor. These services can help you understand your options, create a plan and address related issues such as debt, stress, anxiety or relationship difficulties.

Casino Lab can provide information about the responsible gambling features available through your account, including relevant restriction or self-exclusion processes. Platform tools cannot provide counselling or financial advice, so independent support may also be appropriate.

If you feel unsafe, are in immediate distress or are thinking about harming yourself, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in your area immediately. Your safety comes first.

For further information about account controls or to request help with a gambling break, use the support options shown on the Casino Lab website. Do not provide your account credentials or payment details to anyone claiming to offer unofficial gambling assistance.