Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling can be enjoyable when it is kept within sensible personal and financial boundaries. It also involves risk, and there is no guaranteed outcome. Every bet or game result is independent, so previous wins do not make a future win more likely. A strategy cannot remove the chance of loss, and gambling should never be viewed as a reliable source of income.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense, similar to spending on other leisure activities. Once your budget or time has been used, stop for the day or take a break. Do not increase your stake because you are losing, and do not continue playing in an attempt to recover money that has already been lost.

Responsible gambling also means making decisions when you are calm and able to think clearly. Avoid gambling when you are affected by alcohol or other drugs, feeling distressed, angry or upset, or experiencing financial pressure. It can help to keep gambling separate from your essential expenses, including rent, bills, food, education and other household commitments.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before you start and do not change it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a record of deposits, bets and losses so you have a clear view of your activity.
• Never borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell belongings to gamble.
• Do not chase losses or treat a win as a reason to increase your spending.
• Balance gambling with work, family, social activities, exercise and other interests.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling is becoming difficult to manage.

Tools and account controls

Planning ahead is one of the simplest ways to stay in control. Depending on the services and controls available on your account, you may be able to set deposit, loss, wagering or session limits. These tools can help you follow a decision made before you start playing. Read the information provided with each control carefully, including how it works, when it takes effect and whether it can be changed.

Use limits before gambling

Consider setting a limit that reflects your personal budget rather than an amount suggested by a game or promotional message. A limit should be low enough that reaching it will not affect your daily life. If a limit is reached, treat it as a signal to stop. Do not open another account, use another payment method or look for another gambling service to continue playing.

Take a break when you need one

A temporary break can create space to review your habits and decide what you want to do next. If you feel unable to stop, consider using an available time-out or account restriction. A longer break or permanent self-exclusion may be more appropriate if gambling is causing harm or you have repeatedly tried to reduce your play without success.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a formal request to prevent or restrict access to gambling services for a selected period or, where available, on a longer-term basis. It is intended for people who want stronger protection than ordinary limits provide. If you choose self-exclusion, provide accurate information and follow the instructions shown through the relevant account or support process. Do not attempt to bypass an exclusion by creating another account or using another person's details.

Account controls are useful safeguards, but they cannot replace personal responsibility or professional support. If you are worried about your gambling, use the strongest practical restriction available and seek independent help as soon as possible.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income or previous experience. It may develop gradually, and some people do not recognise the impact until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, work or wellbeing. One sign on its own does not provide a diagnosis, but repeated signs should be taken seriously.

Warning signs may include

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Feeling restless, irritable or uncomfortable when trying to stop or cut back.
• Frequently thinking about gambling, planning the next session or looking for ways to obtain more money.
• Increasing bet amounts to achieve the same excitement or to try to recover losses.
• Returning to gamble after losing in an effort to win the money back.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using money set aside for essential costs.
• Gambling when stressed, lonely, depressed, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Missing work, study, family commitments or social activities because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or distress about gambling but continuing anyway.
• Trying to stop or reduce gambling and being unable to maintain the change.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and take the concern seriously. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speak with a trusted person and consider contacting an independent gambling support or counselling service available in your state or territory. A qualified counsellor can help you understand your behaviour, make a plan and address related financial, emotional or relationship concerns.

If gambling has created financial difficulty, consider speaking with a financial counsellor before taking on further debt or making a repayment decision. If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services in your area.

Supporting someone else

If you are concerned about a family member, friend or colleague, choose a calm and private time to talk. Focus on what you have noticed and how it affects them and others, rather than making accusations. Encourage them to use account restrictions and seek independent support. Protect your own finances by keeping bank details, passwords and important documents secure, and do not lend money to cover gambling losses.

Safety, eligibility and getting assistance

Gambling is restricted to people who meet the applicable legal age and other eligibility requirements. Underage people must not create, access or use a gambling account. Parents and carers should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling websites, devices, payment methods and account credentials.

Keep your account credentials private and use appropriate device and payment security. Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person's account. If you believe someone else has accessed your account, or if your personal or payment information may be at risk, stop using the account and contact support through the available website channels.

Account information and responsible gambling controls should be kept accurate and up to date. If your circumstances change, review your limits and consider whether gambling remains appropriate for you. The availability and operation of particular tools may depend on the account, service or applicable requirements, so check the relevant information before relying on a control.

Where to get help

Cashed Casino support can assist with general account questions and information about the responsible gambling options available through the website. Support cannot remove the risks of gambling or provide counselling. For independent advice, contact a recognised gambling help, counselling or financial counselling service in Australia. Services may be available online, by telephone or in person, and many can provide confidential support to people who gamble as well as their family and friends.

Asking for help is a positive step, not a failure. Whether you need a short break, stronger account restrictions, practical budgeting assistance or professional counselling, acting early can make it easier to regain control. If you are not sure what support is right for you, begin by speaking with someone you trust or an independent service and explain what has been happening.

1. Stop gambling and avoid making further deposits or bets.
2. Review your recent activity and identify the amount of time and money involved.
3. Set an appropriate limit, time-out or self-exclusion if available.
4. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
5. Contact an independent gambling or financial counselling service for advice.
6. Seek urgent help if gambling is connected with immediate financial, emotional or personal danger.