Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game result is determined by chance or the applicable game rules, and previous results do not predict future outcomes. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential living costs and other financial commitments have been covered.

Before you start, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense rather than an investment. Do not chase losses, borrow money to gamble or increase your spending because you believe a win is due. Taking breaks can help you keep gambling in perspective.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and stop when that time has passed.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, transport or other essentials.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Take regular breaks and make time for other activities, interests and relationships.
• Never view gambling as a guaranteed source of income or a solution to financial difficulty.

It can also be useful to keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and the reasons you gamble. Reviewing this information may help you notice changes in your behaviour before they become a serious concern.

Safer gambling tools and account controls

Account controls can help you manage your gambling and make decisions before you start playing. Depending on the service, account and applicable requirements, available controls may include deposit limits, loss or wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion. Controls can differ in how they work and when they take effect, so read the information shown before confirming a setting.

Use limits before you need them

1. Choose an amount and time period that fit comfortably within your budget.
2. Consider setting a limit lower than the maximum amount available.
3. Do not remove or increase a limit because you have lost money or want to continue playing.
4. Check your account settings regularly so you understand which controls are active.
5. Use a time-out if you want a short break from gambling.
6. Use self-exclusion if you need to stop gambling for a longer period.

A self-exclusion request is a serious decision to prevent or restrict access to gambling for a chosen period or as otherwise explained in the applicable process. If you decide to self-exclude, do not try to bypass the restriction by creating another account or using another person’s account. If you need help understanding available controls, contact the support team through the website channels available to you.

Personal limits are only one part of a safer gambling plan. Consider using banking controls, budgeting tools or device settings that help you avoid impulsive spending. Ask someone you trust to support your plan if you find it difficult to follow on your own.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, work, study, relationships, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It can develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change at first. You do not need to wait until a problem becomes severe before seeking support. If gambling is causing worry or conflict, taking action early is a positive step.

Possible warning signs include:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money you have lost by continuing to gamble.
• Hiding, minimising or being dishonest about gambling activity.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments because of gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to reduce or stop.
• Neglecting work, study, family, friends or usual activities.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Continuing to gamble even after it has caused financial, personal or relationship problems.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and consider speaking with a qualified gambling counsellor or a health professional. You can also talk with a trusted family member or friend. Asking for help is confidential in many support settings, and you can ask what information will be kept private before discussing your situation.

If someone close to you is affected

Gambling harm can affect partners, family members, friends and colleagues. Choose a calm time to raise your concerns, describe the behaviour you have noticed and avoid blame. Encourage the person to seek professional support, while also looking after your own wellbeing. If there are concerns about immediate safety, serious financial pressure or family violence, seek urgent help from appropriate emergency or support services.

Age, access and getting support

Gambling is for adults only. You must not use an account or participate in gambling if you are under the applicable legal age. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account. Keep your login details private, use available security settings and log out when you finish. If you believe a minor has accessed an account, stop the activity and contact the support team through the available website channels.

If you have decided to take a break, stop gambling immediately and use the account controls available to you. Remove saved payment methods where appropriate, avoid promotional messages that may encourage you to play and tell a trusted person about your decision. A clear plan can make it easier to maintain a break.

Where to seek help

• A qualified gambling counsellor or a gambling support service in your state or territory.
• Your general practitioner or another trusted health professional.
• A financial counsellor if gambling has affected your budget, debts or bills.
• A trusted family member, friend or support person who can help you follow your plan.
• Emergency services or a crisis support service if you or someone else may be in immediate danger.

Support is available for people who gamble and for those affected by another person’s gambling. You do not have to manage the situation alone. Coolzino Casino can provide information about account restrictions and safer gambling settings, but support from an independent professional may be more suitable when gambling is affecting your health, finances or relationships.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing process. Review your habits regularly, use the controls available to you and take a break whenever gambling stops feeling enjoyable or manageable. Your wellbeing should always come before continued play.