Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games may depend on chance or other outcomes that cannot be controlled or predicted with certainty. Previous results do not affect future results, and a loss is not a reason to increase your stake or continue playing. Every gambling decision should be made with a clear understanding that you may lose the money you spend.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost rather than an investment. Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. Never use money intended for rent, bills, food, education, medical care or other essential expenses. Gambling is not a reliable way to earn income, improve your financial position or recover money that you have already lost.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a personal spending limit before playing and stay within it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from important financial commitments.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to gamble.
• Keep a record of your gambling if this helps you understand how much time and money you are spending.
• Do not gamble to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling is affecting your mood, relationships or finances.

Promotional messages, offers and game features should not influence you to spend more than planned. Read any relevant terms before taking part in a promotion, and ignore offers if they do not fit within your personal limits. You can choose to reduce marketing communications where account settings or available preferences allow. You should never feel pressured to gamble or to increase your spending.

Account controls and taking a break

Account controls can help you manage your gambling. Depending on the options available on your account, you may be able to set or request deposit, spending, loss or time limits. A limit can provide an important boundary, but it should be chosen carefully before you start playing. Review your settings regularly and make sure they reflect what you can genuinely afford.

Time-outs and breaks

If you want to pause gambling, use any available time-out or account break option, or contact the relevant support team through the website. A break can be useful when you feel distracted, are spending more time gambling than planned or simply want distance from gambling activities. During a break, do not try to open another account or use another person’s account to continue gambling.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a chosen period or longer. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and read the applicable information carefully before confirming your request. Self-exclusion may operate according to the relevant process and conditions, and you should not attempt to bypass any restriction.

If you are already self-excluded or believe you may have a gambling problem, do not create another account or ask someone else to gamble on your behalf. Contact an independent gambling support service for practical advice and confidential assistance. Support is also available for family members and friends who are concerned about another person’s gambling.

Account security

• Keep your login details confidential and use a secure password.
• Do not allow another person to use your account.
• Keep payment methods and devices secure.
• Log out when using a shared or public device.
• Tell the website support team promptly if you believe your account has been accessed without permission.
• Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access gambling products through your account.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually and may affect finances, mental health, physical wellbeing, work, study and personal relationships. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, income or previous experience. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. If gambling no longer feels recreational or is causing worry, consider stopping and speaking with someone you trust.

You may wish to take a break and seek support if you recognise any of the following signs:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money you have lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Keeping gambling secret from family, friends or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using essential funds to gamble.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, health or other responsibilities.
• Trying unsuccessfully to cut down or stop.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.
• Using larger amounts of money or taking greater risks to experience the same excitement.
• Feeling that gambling is taking priority over other parts of your life.

If gambling is affecting your life, stop playing and speak with a qualified support service. In Australia, independent help is available through national and state or territory gambling support services, including counselling and information services such as Gambling Help Online. These services can explain your options and help you make a plan without judgement. A qualified health professional or financial counsellor may also be able to provide appropriate assistance.

If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis support service in your area. Your safety comes first. You should also seek urgent assistance if gambling has contributed to a serious financial, relationship or mental health crisis.

Protecting young people and vulnerable people

Gambling services are for adults who meet the applicable legal age and eligibility requirements. People under the legal gambling age must not create an account, access gambling products or use another person’s account. We do not knowingly permit minors to gamble. Adults should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling websites, applications, accounts and payment methods.

• Keep your login details, payment methods and devices secure.
• Do not leave an active account accessible to children or other unauthorised users.
• Use device, browser or network controls where appropriate to restrict access.
• Do not provide your account to another person or place bets on someone else’s behalf.
• Tell the website support team promptly if you believe a minor has accessed an account.
• Report suspected unauthorised access or account misuse as soon as possible.

Some people may be more vulnerable to gambling harm, including people experiencing financial pressure, mental health difficulties, addiction, grief or major life changes. Gambling should never be used as a treatment for distress or as a substitute for professional financial, medical or psychological advice. If you are experiencing difficult circumstances, consider speaking with a suitably qualified professional before gambling.

Questions and further assistance

For account-related questions, use the support channels and help options available on the Stay Casino website. For independent advice about gambling harm, contact a recognised Australian gambling support service or a qualified health professional. You can ask for help even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem. Taking action early can make it easier to regain control and protect your wellbeing.