Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every bet is an individual event, and previous results do not determine what will happen next. A winning run does not mean a future win is more likely, while a losing run does not mean a win is due. Random outcomes cannot be changed by patterns, systems or efforts to recover earlier losses.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment, in the same way you might budget for a meal, a film or another leisure activity. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses, bills, savings and other commitments have been covered.

Important principles

• Gambling is not a reliable source of income and should not be used to pay bills or meet financial goals.
• Never borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, under the influence of alcohol or affected by medication.
• Keep gambling separate from work, study, family responsibilities and other important activities.
• Take regular breaks and review whether gambling is still enjoyable and within your plans.
• Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person’s account.

You must meet the applicable minimum legal age requirements before opening or using a gambling account. In Australia, gambling is generally restricted to adults aged 18 or over, although requirements and rules can depend on the relevant state or territory and the type of gambling service. If you are under the legal age, do not register, deposit funds or attempt to play.

Plan your limits before you play

A practical way to stay in control is to make decisions before gambling rather than while you are caught up in the excitement of play. Consider setting a spending limit for a session, a day, a week or another period that suits your circumstances. You may also wish to set a time limit and decide in advance when you will stop, whether you win or lose.

Useful steps

1. Work out an entertainment budget that does not affect rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, transport, debts, savings or other necessities.
2. Choose a maximum deposit or spending amount before you start and do not increase it during a session.
3. Set a clear end time and use an alarm or reminder if you may lose track of time.
4. Decide how you will respond to a win or loss before playing, including when you will withdraw or stop.
5. Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses and the time spent gambling so you can review your activity honestly.
6. Check your account activity regularly and use available account management tools where appropriate.
7. If you reach a limit or feel unable to follow your plan, stop gambling and consider taking a longer break.

Limits are most useful when they are realistic, agreed in advance and treated as firm boundaries. A limit should not be viewed as a target to spend. If you find yourself repeatedly changing, cancelling or avoiding limits, this may indicate that gambling is becoming difficult to manage. Consider using a temporary account break or self-exclusion and speak with a qualified support service.

It can also help to remove easy access to gambling funds, avoid carrying extra money for play and use banking or device controls that support your goals. Do not gamble in secret or hide transactions from people you trust. Being open about your plans can make it easier to notice changes in your behaviour and ask for help early.

Taking a break

A break can be useful when you want time away from gambling, need to reset your routine or are concerned about your activity. Depending on the service and applicable requirements, account controls may include deposit restrictions, spending or wagering limits, time reminders, temporary closure or self-exclusion. The availability and operation of these controls may vary. Review the relevant account information and choose the option that best supports your circumstances.

Recognise the warning signs

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it can affect anyone regardless of age, income or background. The following signs may suggest that gambling is no longer remaining within safe and enjoyable limits:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Increasing bets or deposits to try to recover losses.
• Feeling restless, irritable or uncomfortable when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Hiding gambling, deposits, losses or account activity from family, friends or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or selling belongings because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or neglecting work, study or family responsibilities.
• Trying to cut back or stop but returning to gambling soon afterwards.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or hopelessness after gambling.

One sign does not automatically mean that someone has a gambling disorder, but it is a reason to pause and take the situation seriously. Do not wait for problems to become severe before seeking support. A conversation with a trusted person or a qualified gambling counsellor can help you understand what is happening and identify practical next steps.

If you are concerned about someone else

Gambling can affect partners, family members, friends and other people who share financial or emotional responsibilities. If you are worried about someone, choose a calm time to speak with them. Explain what you have noticed using specific examples, listen without judgement and encourage them to access professional support. You cannot control another person’s gambling, and you should not take on debts or financial risks to cover losses.

Protect your own wellbeing and finances by considering separate banking arrangements, clear household budgets and appropriate boundaries. If there is conflict, intimidation, financial abuse or any concern about immediate safety, seek help from an appropriate support service or emergency service in your area.

Getting help and using account protections

Support is available if gambling is causing stress, financial difficulty or problems in your relationships. In Australia, Gambling Help Online and state and territory gambling support services provide information, counselling and guidance for people who gamble and for those affected by another person’s gambling. You can also speak with your general practitioner or another qualified health professional about support options.

If you prefer, start by speaking with someone you trust. You do not need to explain everything perfectly or wait until you are certain there is a problem. A support service can help you make a plan that may include budgeting, counselling, account restrictions, self-exclusion and support for related concerns such as anxiety, depression or financial stress.

Account safety and self-exclusion

If you decide that you need to stop gambling, use the available account closure or self-exclusion process and follow the instructions provided. Self-exclusion is intended to help prevent access to gambling for an agreed period or under applicable arrangements. It is important not to create another account, use someone else’s account or ask another person to gamble on your behalf. These actions can undermine your decision and may breach account rules.

• Keep your login details private and use a strong, unique password.
• Do not permit anyone else to access or control your account.
• Review account activity and payment records for transactions you do not recognise.
• Contact the relevant support channel through the website if you need help with account restrictions or access controls.
• Read the applicable terms, privacy information and responsible gambling settings before using the service.
• If you believe a minor may have accessed an account or gambling service, take immediate steps to secure the device and account and seek appropriate assistance.

Syndicate Casino encourages players to make informed choices and to ask for help early. Responsible gambling information is general in nature and does not replace financial, medical or legal advice. Gambling laws, account requirements and available support can vary according to your location and circumstances, so check the rules that apply to you. If gambling is creating immediate danger, severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, stop gambling and contact emergency services or urgent mental health support in your area.