Responsible Gambling

2. Understand How Gambling Works

Casino games are based on chance, probability and rules that generally provide the operator with a mathematical advantage over time. A previous win or loss does not guarantee the next result. Systems, lucky rituals and chasing strategies cannot remove the house advantage.

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Treat every wager as a cost of entertainment.
• Never rely on gambling to pay bills or solve debt.

3. Set Limits Before You Start

Decide your maximum spending and time before entering a gaming area. Keep money needed for rent, food, transport, study, healthcare and savings separate. When the limit is reached, stop—whether you are winning or losing.

4. Safer Gambling Practices

• Do not chase losses or borrow money to continue.
• Avoid gambling when upset, lonely, intoxicated or under financial pressure.
• Balance gambling with work, study, relationships, exercise and other interests.
• Keep track of total spending rather than remembering only wins.
• Leave the venue if gambling no longer feels enjoyable or controlled.

5. Warning Signs

Consider seeking help when one or more of these patterns appear:

• spending more time or money than planned;
• hiding gambling or financial losses;
• borrowing, selling possessions or missing payments;
• returning quickly to recover losses;
• feeling restless, anxious or angry when trying to stop;
• gambling affecting sleep, work, study or relationships;
• using gambling to escape difficult feelings.

6. Personal Self-Check

Ask yourself: Have I exceeded my budget? Am I chasing? Have I concealed my activity? Has gambling caused conflict or debt? Would I be comfortable showing the full record to someone I trust? An uncomfortable answer is a reason to pause and speak with a support service.

7. Help at the Venue

Guests can ask Guest Services, security or a responsible-gambling team member for private assistance. Venue staff can explain available controls, provide support information and discuss formal exclusion options. Contact the venue directly for current procedures and documentation requirements.

8. Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a formal step that restricts access to specified gambling areas or services for a defined period. It can create distance from gambling and support recovery, but works best alongside financial safeguards, counselling and support from trusted people. Do not attempt to bypass an exclusion.

9. Financial Safeguards

• ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks;
• reduce card limits and remove saved payment methods;
• arrange direct payment of essential bills;
• avoid carrying extra cash to a gaming venue;
• seek free financial counselling before debt becomes unmanageable.

10. Support for Family and Friends

Problem gambling can affect partners, children, relatives, friends and colleagues. You can seek confidential advice even if the person gambling is not ready for help. Protect shared finances, avoid repeatedly paying gambling debts without a plan, and communicate calmly about observed behaviour and available support.

11. Protecting Young People

Casino gambling is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. Adults should not encourage minors to gamble, provide access to gambling accounts or normalise gambling as an easy way to make money. Discuss probability, advertising and financial risk openly with young people.

12. Alcohol, Medication and Decision-Making

Alcohol and some medications can reduce judgement and make limit-setting harder. Do not gamble while significantly impaired. Take a break, arrange safe transport and seek assistance from venue staff when needed.

13. Confidential Support Services

Service details can change. Confirm current contact options through the official provider.

14. Digital Blocking and Account Controls

For online gambling, use deposit limits, time reminders, account closure, self-exclusion and device-blocking tools where available. In Australia, BetStop provides a national self-exclusion register for licensed interactive wagering services; it does not replace venue-based casino exclusion procedures.

15. Privacy When Seeking Help

Support services generally explain confidentiality before counselling begins. Venue exclusion processes may require identity information so restrictions can be administered. Ask how information will be used, stored and shared before providing documents.