Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are based on chance or other rules that can result in losing money. Previous results do not change the outcome of a future game, and a losing run does not mean that a win is due. Avoid chasing losses and never increase your stakes simply because you have lost.

Before you play, decide how much money and time you are comfortable using. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense. Once your budget or time limit has been reached, stop playing. Do not use money needed for rent, bills, food, education, debt repayments or other essential costs. Gambling should never come before your personal, family or financial responsibilities.

• Only gamble with disposable income, never borrowed money or credit intended for essential expenses.
• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not change it while playing.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the game.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and monitor your transactions.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or affected by other drugs.
• Do not try to recover losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Remember that gambling is not a reliable source of income or a solution to financial difficulty.

A useful first step is to write down your planned budget and the time you intend to spend playing. Consider telling someone you trust about your plan. An honest conversation can make it easier to stay within your boundaries and notice changes in your behaviour.

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It can affect people from any background and may not always be obvious at first. If gambling is causing stress, conflict, financial pressure or difficulties at work or home, it may be time to pause and seek support. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Increasing your bets or playing for longer to achieve the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop or cut back.
• Returning to gamble soon after losing in an attempt to win the money back.
• Hiding, minimising or giving misleading information about your gambling.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using savings to continue gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social activities because of gambling.
• Experiencing arguments or relationship problems related to gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.

One warning sign does not provide a diagnosis, but it is a reason to review your gambling and consider taking a break. If several signs apply to you, stop gambling and seek confidential advice from a qualified support service. Support is also available for family members, friends and other people affected by someone else's gambling.

Depending on the services available to your account and the requirements that apply, responsible gaming features may allow you to set spending, deposit, loss or session limits, take a temporary break or request account closure. These tools are designed to help you put your plan into practice. Check the relevant account settings and help information for the options available to you.

A limit is most effective when it is chosen before gambling begins. Consider using limits that cover both money and time. If you ask for a longer break or account closure, do not create another account or use another service to continue gambling during that period. A break is an opportunity to step away, review your habits and obtain support.

Ways to create distance from gambling

1. Stop playing and log out of your account.
2. Use available account controls to set a limit, request a break or close your account.
3. Remove saved payment methods and avoid keeping gambling funds readily available.
4. Make a simple record of gambling activity, including deposits, withdrawals, time and emotions.
5. Tell a trusted person that you are taking a break and ask them to support your plan.
6. Contact a professional gambling support service for confidential advice.
7. Speak with a financial counsellor if gambling has affected your budget, debts or bills.

Account controls are not a substitute for professional support. If you believe you may gamble despite setting limits, ask for stronger restrictions and seek help as soon as possible. If a tool does not work as expected, stop gambling and contact the available customer support channel through the website so the matter can be reviewed.

Free or low-cost help may be available through gambling support services, counselling providers, financial counsellors, community organisations and health professionals across Australia. These services can help you understand your gambling, make a plan, manage urges, address financial concerns and support conversations with people close to you. You can seek advice even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem.

For information about available assistance, look for an Australian gambling support service in your state or territory, or speak with your general practitioner or another trusted health professional. Support services can explain confidentiality, eligibility and the types of assistance available. Family members and friends can also seek guidance about setting boundaries and encouraging someone to obtain help.

If gambling has left you feeling overwhelmed, unsafe or at risk of harming yourself or another person, seek urgent help through local emergency services or a crisis support provider. Your immediate safety comes first. Move away from gambling, contact someone you trust and obtain professional assistance.

Age, identity and account safety

Gambling is intended for adults who meet the applicable legal age and account requirements. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account. Keep your login details private, use appropriate device security and log out when you have finished. If you think another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the available account security or support process.

Stay Casino provides responsible gaming information to help players make informed decisions. It is your responsibility to consider whether gambling is suitable for you, follow the laws that apply where you are located and use available controls. Please read the applicable account terms and service information for further details about account management, restrictions and support options.