Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guarantee of winning. Every wager is an independent event, and previous results do not predict future outcomes. A losing streak does not mean a win is due, while a recent win does not make another win more likely. Games should be approached as paid entertainment, with the possibility that the money spent may not be returned.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat this amount as an entertainment expense, similar to the cost of another leisure activity. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs such as rent or mortgage payments, food, bills, education, transport and other commitments have been covered.

• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not increase it while playing.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from household, savings and essential funds.
• Never borrow money, use credit intended for other purposes or sell possessions to gamble.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Accept losses as part of gambling and never chase them with larger or more frequent bets.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are based on chance and cannot be controlled through a system or strategy.

It can also help to keep a personal record of deposits, wagers, wins, losses and time spent playing. Reviewing this information may give you a clearer view of your gambling than relying on memory alone. If gambling no longer feels enjoyable or begins to affect your life, stop and seek support.

Recognising signs of concern

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and people may not always notice the change at first. There is no single sign that applies to everyone. However, the following behaviours may indicate that gambling is becoming difficult to control:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Frequently thinking about gambling, planning the next session or feeling restless when not playing.
• Increasing bet amounts to achieve the same excitement or to try to recover losses.
• Chasing losses by continuing to gamble after losing money.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits or losses from family, friends or other people you trust.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using funds set aside for necessities.
• Gambling when stressed, anxious, depressed, lonely or distressed.
• Arguments or tension with family, friends or colleagues because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or other responsibilities.
• Feeling guilt, regret or shame after gambling but returning to play repeatedly.
• Trying to cut back or stop but finding that you cannot do so.
• Selling property or taking financial risks to continue gambling.

If any of these signs feel familiar, consider stopping immediately and speaking with someone you trust or an appropriately qualified support service. You do not need to wait for the situation to become serious before asking for help. A trusted person can also help you review your finances, use account controls and take a break from gambling.

If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services in Australia or seek urgent help from a health professional. Gambling-related stress can feel overwhelming, but confidential support is available.

Tools to help you stay in control

Account controls can help you manage your gambling before it becomes difficult. Depending on the features available to you, you may be able to set deposit, spending or wagering limits, apply session reminders, take a temporary break or request account closure. These tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when selected honestly and used before you start playing.

Set limits before playing

Choose limits that reflect your real entertainment budget and personal circumstances. A limit should not be based on an amount you hope to win back. If your financial situation changes, reduce your gambling budget or stop altogether. Do not treat a limit as permission to spend more than you can afford.

Take a break

A temporary break can create space to consider your gambling and reset your routine. During a break, avoid opening another account or using another gambling service to continue playing. Remove gambling applications or saved payment details where appropriate, and ask a trusted person to support you if that would help.

Request self-exclusion or account closure

If you want to stop gambling, you can request account closure or ask about any self-exclusion options available through the service. Self-exclusion is a protective measure intended to prevent access for a chosen period or until further review, where applicable. Read the relevant instructions carefully and do not attempt to bypass the arrangement by creating another account.

Protect your account

• Keep login details private and use a secure password.
• Do not allow another person to use your account or payment method.
• Review account activity and payment records regularly.
• Contact the service promptly if you notice activity you do not recognise.
• Keep devices and account access secure, especially if other people use them.

Getting help in Australia

Support is available for anyone affected by gambling, including players, partners, family members and friends. You can speak with a general practitioner, counsellor, psychologist, financial counsellor or a specialist gambling support service. These professionals can help you understand your options, manage urges, address financial concerns and plan practical steps to reduce or stop gambling.

Consider telling someone you trust what is happening. Asking for support may feel uncomfortable, but keeping gambling concerns private can make them harder to manage. A trusted person may help you set boundaries, review bills, limit access to money, attend an appointment or stay with you while you take a break.

Australian support services may offer confidential information, counselling and financial guidance through telephone, online or face-to-face channels. Availability can vary by state or territory. Search for an official Australian gambling support service or speak with a health professional to find an option suited to your circumstances. If you are supporting another person, you can also seek advice about setting healthy boundaries and protecting your own wellbeing.

Casino Rocket encourages players to use responsible gambling tools as soon as they feel gambling is becoming difficult to manage. Our responsible gaming information is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional financial, medical or mental health advice. If you need help, please seek advice from a qualified Australian support provider.