Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling in perspective

Gambling involves risk. There is no guaranteed way to win, and past results do not predict future results. Any money spent on gambling should be treated as an entertainment expense that you can afford to lose. Do not view gambling as a source of income, a way to pay bills or a solution to financial problems.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Make that decision before you start, rather than changing it during a gambling session. Once your budget or time limit has been reached, stop playing. Taking a break can help you keep your decisions separate from the excitement of the moment.

Practical habits for safer play

• Only gamble with money that is available after essential costs such as rent, bills, food and other regular commitments have been covered.
• Set a personal gambling budget and keep gambling funds separate from money needed for daily expenses.
• Set a time limit before you begin and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer in an attempt to win money back.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or affected by medication or other substances.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell belongings to fund gambling.
• Keep a record of your gambling activity so you can see how much time and money you are actually spending.
• Treat wins as part of the gambling experience, not as an indication that you should continue playing.
• Do not gamble to relieve boredom, loneliness, anxiety or other difficult emotions.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if you are concerned about your gambling.

A personal budget should include all forms of gambling, not just activity at 888 Casino. Considering the full picture can make it easier to recognise patterns and make realistic decisions. If gambling stops feeling like entertainment, taking a break and seeking advice are sensible next steps.

Recognise when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling-related harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. Problems do not have to reach a crisis point before you ask for help. If gambling is causing worry or conflict, support is available and taking action early can make change easier.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut back or stop.
• Chasing losses or believing that a win is needed to solve financial problems.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses, transactions or account information from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, missing bill payments or using savings to continue gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling or withdrawing from normal social activities.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, health or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Trying to stop several times but returning to gambling despite negative consequences.

One or more of these signs may indicate that your gambling is no longer under control. You do not need to diagnose yourself or prove that the problem is serious enough. Consider stopping play, using a break or self-exclusion tool and speaking with a qualified gambling counsellor or a trusted healthcare professional.

Where to seek help

Australian players can seek confidential advice from a gambling support service, counsellor, psychologist, financial counsellor or other qualified healthcare professional. Local and national support services can provide information about reducing or stopping gambling, managing urges, addressing financial stress and rebuilding relationships. A general practitioner may also help you find suitable mental health or gambling support.

If gambling has contributed to serious financial difficulty, contact a financial counsellor before taking out further credit or making major financial decisions. If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek urgent assistance through local emergency or crisis services. Your immediate safety is more important than any gambling account or financial loss.