Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling can be enjoyable when it is approached as a leisure activity and kept within clear personal limits. The outcome of a game is determined by chance or the rules of the game, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Previous results do not change the likelihood of future results. A loss cannot be recovered simply by continuing to play, and a win should not be treated as proof that more gambling will produce the same result.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Consider that the money used for gambling may be lost. Only use money that is available after essential costs such as rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, education, transport and other regular commitments have been covered. Never use borrowed money, money needed for bills or funds set aside for important purposes to gamble.

Set boundaries before you start

• Set a spending limit for each session, day, week or month, and do not increase it during play.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Decide in advance what you will do if you lose the amount you planned to spend.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to escape a problem.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or continuing to play for longer.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending and other financial commitments.
• Remember that gambling is not a reliable source of income or a strategy for paying debts.

A practical way to maintain control is to record your deposits, withdrawals, playing time and overall results. Looking at this information honestly can help you understand your habits rather than focusing only on individual wins or losses. If gambling no longer feels like a choice, it may be time to take a break and obtain support.

Recognise the warning signs

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. Some people notice changes in their mood, finances, relationships or daily routines before they recognise that gambling has become difficult to control. There is no need to wait for a serious problem before taking action. Early support can make it easier to restore balance and protect your wellbeing.

You may need to review your gambling if you

• Think about gambling frequently or feel restless when you are not playing.
• Spend more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Increase your stakes because previous amounts no longer feel exciting.
• Try to win back money that has been lost.
• Hide, minimise or mislead others about your gambling activity.
• Borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.
• Miss work, study, appointments, family activities or other responsibilities.
• Feel anxious, irritable, guilty, ashamed or low after gambling.
• Argue with family, friends or colleagues because of gambling.
• Use gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Continue gambling even when it is affecting your finances, relationships or health.
• Make repeated promises to stop or reduce gambling but find it difficult to do so.

One warning sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling disorder, but it is worth taking seriously. If several signs apply to you, consider stopping play, using account restrictions and talking with someone you trust or a qualified support professional. You can ask for help without having to explain or justify every detail of your gambling.

Ask yourself some honest questions

1. Can I afford the amount I am spending without affecting essential expenses?
2. Do I know how much I have spent and how long I have played recently?
3. Have I ever hidden my gambling or its financial impact from someone close to me?
4. Would I continue gambling if I could not recover a loss?
5. Can I stop when I decide to stop?
6. How would I feel if someone close to me gambled in the same way?

Tools to help you stay in control

Responsible gaming tools are designed to help you make decisions before gambling becomes difficult to manage. Available options may depend on the account, platform and applicable requirements. Read the information provided with each tool carefully and choose settings that reflect a genuine limit, rather than an amount you may be tempted to increase.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit or spending limit can restrict the amount added to an account over a chosen period. Set a limit before you begin playing and include all money you may reasonably be able to spend. A limit should be treated as a firm boundary. Do not rely on changing the limit after losses or during an emotional moment. If you are unsure what limit is appropriate, consider taking a complete break instead.

Time reminders and breaks

Time can pass quickly during online play. Use any available session reminders, alarms or personal reminders to check how long you have been playing. Stand up, move away from the device and take regular breaks. A longer break can be useful if you notice that gambling is occupying too much of your attention or affecting your sleep, work or relationships.

Temporary account breaks

If you want to pause gambling, consider requesting a temporary account break or using the relevant account restriction available to you. A break can provide space to review your habits without the immediate temptation to play. During a break, avoid opening another gambling account or moving between platforms to continue gambling. A restriction is most effective when it is supported by practical changes, such as removing saved payment methods and blocking gambling-related notifications.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger step for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period. If you choose self-exclusion, follow the available process carefully and provide any information needed to apply the restriction. Do not attempt to bypass it by creating another account or using another person's account. If you believe you need help stopping across multiple gambling services, speak with a recognised gambling support organisation about broader exclusion options and practical assistance.

Protect your account

• Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account.
• Use account and payment settings responsibly and review them regularly.
• Avoid saving payment details if doing so makes it easier to spend impulsively.
• Do not gamble through another person's account or allow another person to gamble through yours.
• If someone else has access to your device, use appropriate security settings and sign out after use.

Getting support

You do not have to manage gambling concerns on your own. A trusted family member, friend, doctor, counsellor or qualified gambling support professional can help you understand what is happening and plan your next steps. Support is available for people who gamble as well as partners, family members and friends affected by another person's gambling.

Australian players can seek information and confidential assistance through recognised gambling support services, including Gambling Help Online and services available in their state or territory. These services can provide information, counselling, practical strategies and referrals. You can also speak with a health professional about stress, anxiety, depression, financial pressure or other issues connected with gambling. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or believe you may be at immediate risk, seek urgent assistance from local emergency or crisis services.

If gambling is affecting your finances

• Stop gambling and avoid trying to recover losses through further play.
• List your essential expenses, debts and available income.
• Speak with a qualified financial counsellor about a manageable plan.
• Ask your bank or payment provider what spending controls may be available.
• Tell a trusted person who can help you stay accountable.
• Consider restricting access to gambling accounts and removing payment options.

Cadoola Casino may apply account checks, restrictions or other measures where required by applicable law, regulation or internal responsible gaming procedures. These measures are intended to support safer play, but they cannot replace your own decisions or professional support. If you request an account restriction, provide accurate information and follow the instructions given to complete the process.

Age and access requirements

Gambling is not suitable for anyone under the applicable legal age. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account or gambling devices. Keep account credentials secure, use device protections where appropriate and supervise access to shared devices. If you believe a minor has accessed an account, stop play and seek assistance through the relevant account support process.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing process. Review your limits regularly, be honest about the effect gambling has on your life and act early when something does not feel right. By treating gambling as entertainment, keeping it affordable and asking for help when needed, you can make more informed choices and protect your wellbeing.