Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game or wager is based on chance or uncertain outcomes. Previous results do not predict future results, and a losing streak does not make a win more likely. Avoid treating gambling as an investment or as a reliable source of income.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Consider that amount the cost of entertainment, and do not spend more than you can reasonably afford to lose. Your gambling budget should come only from money left after essential costs such as housing, food, bills, education and other financial commitments have been paid.

Gambling should not interfere with your relationships, work, study, health or daily responsibilities. Take regular breaks, keep other interests in your life and avoid gambling when you are tired, upset, stressed or affected by alcohol or other drugs. These conditions can make it harder to make careful decisions.

Helpful personal limits

• Set a spending limit before you begin and stop when that limit is reached.
• Set a time limit and use reminders to help you finish your session.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for everyday expenses.
• Do not borrow money, use credit for gambling or sell belongings to continue playing.
• Never chase losses by increasing your bets or returning to win back money.
• Keep track of deposits, withdrawals and time spent gambling.
• Take a break if gambling stops feeling enjoyable or becomes difficult to control.

Tools to help you stay in control

Depending on the service, your account may provide responsible gambling settings or support options designed to help you manage your activity. These may include deposit or spending limits, session reminders, time-outs, account breaks, self-exclusion and restrictions on promotional communications. Availability and operation of these options can depend on the applicable rules and the account features provided.

A limit works best when it is set before gambling begins. Choose an amount and period that reflect your personal budget, rather than an amount based on what you hope to win. If you reach a limit, accept that your session or spending period has ended. Do not try to bypass a limit by opening another account or using another person's account.

Account breaks and self-exclusion

A temporary break can provide time to review your gambling and decide whether you want to continue. A longer account restriction or self-exclusion may be more appropriate if gambling is becoming difficult to manage. During a self-exclusion period, do not attempt to access the service through another account. If you believe you need a restriction, contact the relevant support channel available through the service and ask about the options that may apply.

If someone else uses your account, your limits and account controls may not work as intended. Keep your login details private, use suitable security settings and do not allow another person to gamble through your account. If you think your account has been accessed by someone else, stop using it and seek assistance through the available account support process.

Managing marketing messages

If promotional messages make it harder for you to take a break, review the communication preferences available on your account or ask for marketing communications to be restricted. Reducing marketing messages does not replace a spending limit, time-out or self-exclusion. Use the strongest practical measure for your circumstances.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. A person may continue gambling even when it causes financial, emotional, physical or social difficulties. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speaking with a trusted person or a qualified support service early can make it easier to regain control.

Consider taking a break and seeking support if you recognise any of the following signs:

• You spend more time or money gambling than you intended.
• You keep thinking about gambling or planning your next session.
• You try to cut back but find that you cannot maintain your decision.
• You chase losses or increase the amount you wager to feel excitement.
• You gamble with money intended for rent, bills, food or other essentials.
• You borrow money, use credit or hide gambling spending from others.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop.
• You miss work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• You argue with family or friends about gambling or become secretive about it.
• You use gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• You feel guilt, shame or regret after gambling but continue to play.
• Your sleep, health, mood or relationships are being affected.

If several of these signs apply to you, stop gambling and consider placing a time-out or self-exclusion on your account. Do not attempt to recover losses through further play. A financial counsellor, health professional or gambling support service can help you make a plan that suits your situation.

Protecting children and other vulnerable people

Gambling services are intended only for people who are legally permitted to use them. Do not allow children or anyone who is not legally permitted to gamble to access your account or device. Use a private password, sign out when you finish and consider device-level controls where appropriate. If a vulnerable person may be affected by your gambling, discuss the issue with a trusted person or support professional.

Getting help and support

Support is available in Australia for people who are concerned about their own gambling or someone else's gambling. You can speak with a state or territory gambling support service, a qualified health professional, a financial counsellor or a trusted family member or friend. Gambling Help Online is also a recognised source of information and support for gambling concerns. Choose a service that is suitable for your circumstances and location.

If you are supporting another person, try to speak calmly and focus on the effect gambling is having rather than blaming or shaming them. Encourage them to seek professional help, protect shared finances where appropriate and set clear boundaries about money. You can seek support for yourself as well; you do not have to manage the situation alone.

What to do now

1. Stop gambling and do not try to win back losses.
2. Review your recent gambling activity and identify the amount of time and money involved.
3. Set a practical limit, take a break or request an account restriction.
4. Tell someone you trust what is happening.
5. Contact a gambling support service, health professional or financial counsellor.
6. Remove easy access to extra gambling funds and review your financial commitments.
7. Seek urgent assistance if gambling or related financial stress has placed your safety at risk.

Red Stag Casino provides general responsible gaming information and does not replace professional financial, medical or counselling advice. Gambling rules and available support options can vary across Australia and may change over time. Make sure you understand the rules that apply to you, and use the account support options available through the service if you need help taking a break or restricting access.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate emergency service in your location. Your safety and wellbeing should always come before gambling.