Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Online gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the relevant game. Previous results do not predict future results, and a losing run does not mean a win is due. Understanding this can help you keep gambling in perspective and avoid decisions based on unrealistic expectations.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential costs have been covered. Your gambling budget should not come from rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education, savings, credit or money needed by your family. Do not borrow money, sell belongings or use funds intended for another purpose to continue gambling.

• Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending before you start.
• Treat any gambling spend as an entertainment cost rather than an investment.
• Keep track of deposits, bets, wins and losses so you have a realistic view of your activity.
• Never chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer than planned.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape other problems.
• Do not rely on gambling to pay bills, improve your finances or provide regular income.
• Take regular breaks and make time for work, study, family, friends, exercise and other interests.

It can also help to talk openly with someone you trust about your gambling plans. A trusted friend or family member may provide an outside perspective and help you stay accountable to the limits you have chosen. If you notice that gambling is taking priority over important parts of your life, pause and review your habits before continuing.

Safer gambling tools and personal limits

Safer gambling tools can help you monitor and manage your activity. Depending on the services available to you, these may include deposit or spending limits, session reminders, activity statements, breaks and self-exclusion options. These tools are intended to support your decisions, but they do not remove the risks associated with gambling.

Set limits before you play

Choose a gambling budget and a time limit before opening a game. Consider setting limits for a day, week or other period that suits your circumstances. A limit is most effective when it is set before gambling begins, rather than during a session when emotions may influence your decisions. If the available settings allow you to reduce a limit or introduce a delay, use those features to give yourself time to reconsider.

Monitor your activity

Review your account activity regularly and consider the total amount of time and money involved, not just individual bets or sessions. Recording your deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses can help you identify patterns that may otherwise be easy to overlook. A win does not make previous losses disappear, and a loss should not be treated as a reason to increase your spending.

Take breaks and consider self-exclusion

Long or frequent sessions can make it harder to notice how much time or money has been spent. Take breaks, leave the gambling environment and return to other activities. If you find it difficult to stop when you intended to, consider using a longer break or self-exclusion option instead of relying only on willpower.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary step that can restrict access to gambling services for a selected period or under the conditions offered by the relevant service. It may be appropriate if you want a complete break or are concerned that ordinary limits are not enough. Read the terms of any self-exclusion arrangement carefully and consider whether you should also exclude yourself from other gambling services you use.

If you request a limit, break or self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided through the applicable account or support process. Availability, timing and conditions can vary between services. Do not create another account or use someone else’s account to avoid a restriction.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It may develop gradually, and you do not need to wait for serious financial or personal harm before asking for help. The following signs may indicate that gambling is becoming difficult to control:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money you have lost, or feeling pressure to recover losses quickly.
• Hiding, minimising or giving misleading information about your gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing payments because of gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, family, health, sleep or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to deal with sadness, stress, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Continuing to gamble despite arguments, financial problems or other negative consequences.
• Feeling that you cannot stop even when you want to.
• Spending increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement or satisfaction.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to stop.
• Feeling guilt, shame or distress about how much you gamble.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and consider speaking with a qualified support service. Avoid trying to solve gambling-related financial problems by gambling more. Make a clear list of urgent bills and obligations, protect access to essential funds where possible and ask a trusted person to help you review your options.

Protect your account and personal information

Your account should be used only by you. Keep login details private, use secure passwords and do not allow another person to gamble through your account. If someone else has access to your device or account, update your security settings and contact the relevant support channel through the service. Account sharing can make it harder to track gambling and may also breach applicable terms.

Parents and carers should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling services. Use device controls, keep account credentials private and supervise access to shared devices. Gambling services are not intended for people who do not meet the applicable minimum age or legal requirements.

Getting help and making a personal plan

You do not have to manage gambling concerns on your own. Support may be available from gambling counselling services, mental health professionals, financial counsellors, community organisations and trusted people in your life. Australian players can look for information through recognised gambling support services, including Gambling Help Online, or through services available in their state or territory. Use the official website of the relevant service for current support options and eligibility information.

When contacting a support service, explain honestly how often you gamble, how much money is involved and how gambling is affecting you. You can ask about counselling, financial support, self-exclusion, help for family members and practical steps to reduce access. Support is available whether you are concerned about your own gambling or someone else’s.

A simple plan for staying in control

1. Set a gambling budget using only disposable funds and decide how often you will review it.
2. Choose a time limit and schedule breaks before each session.
3. Record your gambling activity so wins and losses are not overlooked.
4. Do not chase losses, increase stakes to recover money or gamble with borrowed funds.
5. Tell a trusted person about your limits and ask them to help you stay accountable.
6. Avoid gambling when you are distressed, tired or affected by alcohol or drugs.
7. Use a break or self-exclusion option if you are finding it difficult to stop.
8. Contact a qualified support service as soon as gambling causes worry, conflict or financial pressure.
9. Review whether gambling is affecting your relationships, responsibilities, health or finances.
10. If you decide to stop, remove easy access to gambling and ask someone you trust to support your decision.

Fair Crown Casino provides this information as general responsible gaming guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal or financial advice. Gambling services and support options may have their own rules, processes and availability. Always review the applicable account information and service terms, and seek independent advice if you are unsure what action is right for you.

If gambling is causing immediate danger, serious distress or a risk of harm, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services in your location. Your safety comes first.