Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. This page explains how to keep your play under control and where to find free, confidential help in Australia if it stops being fun.
The golden rules
- Only gamble what you can afford to lose. Treat it as the cost of entertainment, like a movie ticket.
- Set a budget before you play — and stop when you reach it, win or lose.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win back money is the fastest way to lose more.
- Don't gamble under stress or while affected by alcohol.
- Take regular breaks and keep gambling one small part of a balanced life.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
Tools to help you stay in control
Licensed operators such as Casino Mate provide built-in responsible-gambling tools. You can typically activate these directly from your account:
Deposit limits
Cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month so spending never exceeds your budget.
Session reminders
Set alerts that tell you how long you have been playing so time doesn't slip away.
Cool-off periods
Take a short, self-imposed break — from a day to several weeks — when you need to step back.
Self-exclusion
Lock yourself out of your account for months or permanently if gambling is causing harm.
Warning signs to watch for
It may be time to seek support if you recognise any of these patterns in yourself or someone close to you:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended.
- Chasing losses or gambling to win back what you have lost.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing bills to gamble.
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble.
- Feeling anxious, guilty or irritable when you try to cut down.
- Neglecting work, study, relationships or health because of gambling.
Where to get help in Australia
| Service | Contact | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 | Free 24/7 counselling, chat and self-help tools |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Crisis support and suicide prevention |
| Gamblers Anonymous | gaaustralia.org.au | Peer support meetings across Australia |
| BetStop | betstop.gov.au | The national self-exclusion register |
Protecting minors
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If children share your device, use parental-control software and keep account details private. This Website is informational only and is not intended for anyone under 18.
If gambling has stopped being fun, it's okay to stop. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.