Online casino games are a fun form of entertainment, but it’s important to play responsibly. This guide provides you with the tools, resources, and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Responsible gambling isn’t about restricting yourself without reason. Instead, this helps you stay in control, manage your habits and seek support if necessary.
Casual and advanced gamers need to consider support tools beyond the thrill of games and bonuses.
What is Responsible Gambling?
This concept focuses on learning how to gamble safely and maintain control.
Responsible gambling implores you to follow strict budgets, take breaks, and get support against addiction. Basically, it promotes gambling primarily as entertainment, not a means to earn extra income.
Here are the core principles you must understand to play responsibly at online casinos in Australia:
- Playing for entertainment, not as a way to make money: Gambling is not a way to make money. Online casinos always have the edge, meaning winning is not guaranteed. So, play for fun and not for money.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose: Don’t run into financial problems while gambling. Ensure that you stake what you can afford to lose. We advise Aussie players to fund adventures with spare money. Never use money meant for essential purposes, such as rent, school fees, or utility bills.
- Setting and sticking to limits on time and money: It is easy to get carried away with the thrill of casino games and play without caution. This is how addictive behaviours develop. So set a budget and time limits to control how much time and money you spend gambling to avoid putting yourself at risk.
- Never chasing your losses: A common trap that many players fall into is trying to recoup lost money by wagering more. With this approach, you may lose more. It’s better to let go of your losses, take a pause and strategise.
- Knowing when to stop and take a break: Avoid wasting valuable time gambling. Ensure that you always play during leisure hours, allowing you to take breaks when needed.
Tools Casinos Provide to Help You Stay in Control
You can access a variety of problem gambling support tools at reputable casino sites in Australia.
These tools are easy to use and are available to new and existing players. Activate them in your account settings to maintain a fun gaming habit.
- Deposit Limits: The casino deposit limits feature allows you to manage funds effectively. Navigate the site’s dedicated responsible gambling page or Cashier section to set your maximum pay-in daily, weekly or monthly. It keeps you in check by restricting deposits once the limit is reached.
- Loss Limits: This feature enables you to set a limit on the amount you can lose within a specified period. Players can access loss limits via the RG page or My Account to protect themselves from further losses while recovering funds.
- Wagering Limits: Many safe gambling sites integrate wagering limits into the Player Settings area. Therefore, gamers can stay in control of how much they wager. With a wagering limit in place, you can plan and make informed decisions before playing.
- Session/Time Limits: Stay on track and monitor time spent gambling. You will be notified and logged out if you exceed your time limits.
- Time-Out / Cool-Off Period: Take a short break from gambling for a specific period.
This protects you from gambling addiction risks by blocking the site till your cool-off period is over.
- Self-Exclusion: This allows you to take longer breaks from online gaming. A self-exclusion casino offers options for a 6-month or permanent break, depending on your preference. Unlike other tools, this is a formal exclusion option. Therefore, the period cannot be changed once it has been activated.
Are You at Risk? A Confidential Self-Assessment
Gambling is a fun activity with potential for payout. However, if not correctly managed, players can be exposed to some risks, especially addiction.
Not sure if your gambling habit puts you at risk? Ask yourself these questions honestly:
- Have you ever spent more money or time gambling than you intended?
- Have you ever tried to win back money you have lost?
- Have you ever hidden your gambling from family or friends?
- Has gambling ever caused you stress, anxiety, or other health problems?
- Do you ever feel guilty about your gambling?
If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, it may be a good idea to speak to someone or use the resources mentioned in the next section.
Where to Get Help in Australia: Confidential Support is Available
Are you struggling with gambling-related risks? You can get help in Australia using the following confidential support channels:
- Gambling Help Online: This is a free national gambling help service in Australia. It offers 24/7 support service via phone and online chat. You can call 1800 588 558 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for assistance.
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: This is a fellowship for players to share their experiences and support each other in recovering from a gambling problem. Visit gaaustralia.org.au.
- Lifeline Australia: If you are experiencing emotional distress, you can contact Lifeline Australia. This is a national charity providing 24/7 support to struggling players. You can reach them at 131114 or via the official website at lifeline.org.au.
- National Debt Helpline: Contact the National Debt Helpline for free and confidential counselling. The service is available for players facing financial difficulty due to online gambling. It is available on ndh.org.au or by phone at 1800 007 007.
Conclusion: Play Safe, Play Smart
Online gambling is not an escape from emotional or socio-economic problems. It is a fun activity with a chance to win real money. Since casinos always have the edge, there is no guaranteed profit when you stake. Therefore, gambling is not a real source of income or profession. Before signing up or wagering your funds, please be aware of the potential risks involved. To protect yourself, use any of the responsible gambling tools outlined on this page. You can stay safe by setting limits on deposits, wagering amounts or losses.
Additionally, there are authorised bodies offering support to Australian players. If you are battling addiction or financial losses, get the required assistance from relevant agencies. They offer 24/7 support and therapy to help you stay safe and play responsibly.