Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game is based on chance or other factors that mean results cannot be predicted with certainty. A previous loss does not make a win more likely, and a previous win does not mean that another win will follow. Avoid treating patterns, systems or personal beliefs as a reliable way to influence the outcome.

Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Essential costs may include rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, education, medical expenses, debts and regular household commitments. Gambling money should never come from money set aside for these needs. It should also not come from borrowed funds, credit intended for other purposes or money belonging to another person.

Before you start, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Consider that your budget may need to cover an entire period, such as a week or month, rather than a single session. When your planned amount or time has been reached, stop. Do not increase your budget because you are bored, excited, frustrated or trying to change the result of a game.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a gambling budget that is separate from your household and essential spending.
• Set a time limit before playing and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a personal record of deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses so that your activity is clear.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, intoxicated, under pressure or trying to escape a problem.
• Do not chase losses or increase stakes to recover money that has already been lost.
• Do not borrow money, sell possessions or ask other people for funds to continue gambling.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family, social activities, exercise and other interests.
• Consider telling someone you trust about your limits so they can support your plan.

Set limits before you play

Setting limits in advance can make it easier to keep gambling within your plans. If account controls or safer gambling tools are available, review them before making a deposit or starting a session. Depending on the service and applicable requirements, these tools may allow you to set spending, deposit, loss or session limits, receive activity information, take a break or request a period of self-exclusion.

A limit works best when it is realistic, understood and applied before strong emotions influence your decisions. Think about the amount you can comfortably lose without affecting your financial or personal responsibilities. A limit is not a target and should not be treated as an amount you are expected to spend. You can choose to spend less or not play at all.

A temporary break may be useful if you feel distracted by gambling, have exceeded your intended budget or simply want time away from your account. For a more substantial concern, self-exclusion may be appropriate. Self-exclusion is a formal decision to prevent or restrict access for a chosen period or under an available process. Read the relevant terms carefully before confirming a request, and do not open or use another account to get around a restriction.

Planning your limits

1. Review your income, essential expenses, existing commitments and available leisure budget.
2. Choose a maximum amount and maximum time that will not affect your financial or personal responsibilities.
3. Apply available account controls before you begin playing, rather than waiting until after a loss.
4. Decide what you will do when the limit is reached, such as closing the game, taking a walk or contacting a trusted person.
5. Review your activity regularly and reduce your limits or take a break if your behaviour is changing.

Controls may operate differently depending on the service, product and applicable rules. If you are unsure how a limit, break or exclusion option works, do not rely on assumptions. Review the information provided with the relevant tool or seek clarification through the available support channel before continuing to gamble.

Recognise when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It is not defined only by the amount of money lost. The effect on your mood, relationships, work, study, health and daily responsibilities is also important. Some people may gamble frequently, while others may experience harm after less frequent sessions. If gambling is becoming difficult to control or is causing distress, taking action early can help.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by making larger or more frequent bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Hiding gambling, losses or account activity from family, friends or colleagues.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling or withdrawing from important relationships.
• Missing work, study, appointments or household responsibilities.
• Borrowing money, using credit, selling belongings or neglecting bills to fund gambling.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or loss of control after gambling.
• Breaking a limit or promise to stop, even after deciding to take a break.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial, emotional, health or relationship problems.

One warning sign may be enough to justify a pause and an honest review of your gambling. You do not need to wait until a serious loss has occurred before asking for help. Consider stopping play, using available account restrictions and speaking with someone you trust. A confidential conversation with a qualified support service can help you understand what is happening and decide on practical next steps.

If gambling is affecting someone close to you, you can also seek support for yourself. You are not responsible for controlling another adult's gambling, and you do not have to provide money to cover losses. Clear boundaries, accurate information and professional advice may help protect your wellbeing and finances.

Support is available

If you are concerned about your gambling, stop and seek support rather than trying to manage the situation alone. In Australia, confidential information and counselling may be available through gambling support services in your state or territory, as well as national support services. These services can provide guidance about safer gambling, reducing or stopping play, financial concerns, relationships and support for affected family members.

You can also speak with your general practitioner or another qualified health professional. They may help assess how gambling is affecting your mental and physical wellbeing and refer you to suitable counselling or financial support. If debt or money problems are involved, consider obtaining independent financial counselling before borrowing more money or making major financial decisions.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling for the moment and move away from the device or account.
2. Use an available deposit limit, spending restriction, break or self-exclusion option.
3. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your decision to pause.
4. Remove easy access to gambling funds and avoid carrying out financial transactions while distressed.
5. Contact an Australian gambling support service, health professional or financial counsellor.
6. If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an urgent mental health support service in your area.

Luckystart Casino cannot provide medical, psychological, legal or financial advice. Information on this page is general in nature and should not replace professional assistance. If you have an urgent safety concern, seek immediate help from an appropriate emergency or crisis service.

Age, account safety and responsible use

Gambling is only for people who meet the applicable minimum age and legal requirements. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your gambling account. Keep your login details, payment information and personal devices secure, and log out when you have finished using the service. If you believe that another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the available account security process.

Avoid gambling while affected by alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair judgement. Impaired decision-making can make it harder to follow limits and recognise when to stop. Be cautious with gambling advertisements, promotional messages and notifications if they encourage you to play when you are taking a break or trying to reduce your activity. Use the available communication preferences or account controls where appropriate.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing process. Review your habits regularly, pay attention to changes in your mood or finances and act early if something does not feel right. The safest choice is not to gamble if you cannot afford the loss, are under the relevant age, are subject to a restriction or believe gambling may cause harm.

By using an online gambling service, you are responsible for reading the applicable terms, understanding the available account tools and complying with relevant laws and requirements. This page provides general guidance for players in Australia and does not create a promise about the availability or operation of any particular feature. Where a specific control or process is needed, check the information provided at the time of use and seek help before continuing.