Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment when it is approached responsibly and kept within personal limits. However, gambling can also lead to financial, social and personal problems for some people.
Casino Guide Australia supports responsible gambling and encourages visitors to make informed decisions about their gambling activities.
Gamble Within Your Limits
Before gambling, decide how much money and time you are comfortable spending. Treat any money spent on gambling as an entertainment expense rather than a way to make money.
Consider setting a spending limit before visiting a casino and avoid increasing your budget after losing money.
Some useful principles include:
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a time and spending limit before you start.
- Never chase losses by increasing your bets.
- Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Take regular breaks from gambling.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Keep gambling separate from essential household expenses.
Understand the Risks
Casino games and gaming machines involve financial risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win.
Previous losses do not make a future win more likely, and trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble can lead to increasingly large losses.
If gambling begins to affect your finances, relationships, work or general wellbeing, it may be time to take a break and consider seeking support.
Signs That Gambling May Be Becoming a Problem
Everyone’s situation is different, but some warning signs can include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than originally planned.
- Trying to win back money that has already been lost.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
- Hiding gambling activities or losses from family and friends.
- Gambling affecting work, study or relationships.
- Feeling stressed, anxious or upset because of gambling.
- Finding it difficult to stop or take a break.
- Continuing to gamble despite experiencing negative consequences.
Recognising these signs early can make it easier to take action.
Take a Break or Self-Exclude
If you feel that gambling is becoming difficult to control, consider taking a break or asking the venue about its available responsible gambling and self-exclusion options.
Australian gambling venues can provide information about responsible gambling measures and available support services. Self-exclusion can be one option for people who want to restrict their access to gambling venues.
Getting Help
If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, professional support is available in Australia.
Gambling Help Online provides free and confidential support for people affected by gambling harm, including family members and friends. Its national gambling helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also speak directly with a counsellor or use online support through the service.
Our Position
Casino Guide Australia is an independent information website. We do not encourage excessive gambling and do not present gambling as a way to earn income or solve financial problems.
Our casino listings are provided for informational purposes. We encourage all visitors to understand the risks, follow venue rules and gamble responsibly.
Casino Guide Australia is intended for adults aged 18 and over.