Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling in perspective

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to predict or control the result of a game, bet or other gambling activity. Outcomes are determined by chance or by the relevant rules, and past results do not make a future result more likely. A win does not mean that another win is due, and a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to play.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your everyday commitments have been covered. Your rent or mortgage, household bills, food, education, transport, savings and other essential expenses should come first. Gambling should never be treated as an investment, a source of regular income or a solution to debt.

Practical principles for safer play

• Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending before you start.
• Treat your gambling budget as an entertainment expense, not as money that should be returned.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for bills, savings or other important commitments.
• Never chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer than planned.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed, intoxicated or trying to escape another problem.
• Avoid borrowing money, using credit for gambling or asking someone else to fund your play.
• Take regular breaks and step away from the device or venue when your planned session ends.
• Never gamble on behalf of another person or allow another person to use your account.

Set limits before you play

Planning in advance can help you remain in control. Before opening a game or placing a bet, choose a spending amount and a time period that fit within your budget. Once you reach either limit, stop. Do not change a limit during a session simply because you have lost money or want to continue after a win.

It can be useful to keep a personal record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent gambling and the results of your sessions. Looking at the overall picture may help you identify patterns that are difficult to notice while you are playing. If the figures are affecting your bills, savings or relationships, take a break and seek support.

Questions to ask yourself

• Can I afford this amount without affecting my normal living costs?
• Have I decided when I will stop, whether I win or lose?
• Am I playing for entertainment, or am I trying to solve a financial or personal problem?
• Would I be comfortable telling someone close to me how much time and money I spend?
• Have I recently increased my deposits, bets or playing time?
• Would a break, a lower limit or account closure make me feel more in control?

You must also meet all applicable legal and account requirements. Gambling is only for people who meet the relevant minimum age. Do not use gambling services if you are underage, located where the service is not permitted, or unable to comply with the applicable rules.

Recognise signs that gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, including people who started with small and occasional bets. It may develop gradually, and a person may not notice the change until gambling begins to affect money, work, study, health or relationships. Recognising warning signs early makes it easier to pause and ask for help.

Possible warning signs include

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by continuing to gamble or placing larger bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or uncomfortable when you try to stop.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or planning your day around it.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills to continue gambling.
• Using money intended for rent, food, savings, household expenses or other necessities.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, anxiety, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, family, friendships, sleep or personal responsibilities.
• Trying to stop or cut down but returning to gambling soon afterwards.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anger or hopelessness because of gambling.
• Believing that a particular strategy, ritual or run of results will guarantee a win.

One warning sign can be enough reason to take a break and review your habits. You do not need to wait for serious financial harm before getting support. Speaking with a trusted person or an independent support service can help you consider practical next steps without judgement.

Use account controls and take a break

If you want more structure around your play, review the responsible gaming controls available through your account or the website. Depending on the service and your location, these controls may include deposit limits, wagering limits, loss limits, session reminders, time-outs, cooling-off periods or account closure. Read the terms of each option carefully so you understand when it starts, how long it applies and whether it can be changed.

Options that may help

• Set a deposit limit that matches your entertainment budget.
• Use reminders to monitor how long you have been logged in or playing.
• Choose a time-out or cooling-off period when you need a temporary break.
• Request account closure if you no longer want access to the service.
• Ask for self-exclusion where that option is available and appropriate.
• Remove saved payment methods and reduce easy access to gambling funds.
• Turn off promotional messages if they make it harder to maintain your plan.
• Tell a trusted person about your decision so they can provide encouragement and accountability.

If you believe you are losing control, account closure or self-exclusion may be more suitable than simply lowering a limit. Contact the available customer support channel through the website to ask about the options that apply to your account. Do not create another account or use another person’s account to get around a restriction.

Limits are a planning tool, not a guarantee that gambling will remain affordable. You remain responsible for monitoring your activity and stopping when gambling no longer fits your circumstances. If a limit does not feel sufficient, stop playing and seek independent assistance.

Get support when you need it

Asking for help is a positive step and does not require you to have all the answers. You can speak with someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, doctor, counsellor or financial counsellor. Independent gambling support services in Australia can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance for people who gamble, as well as for family members and friends affected by gambling.

If gambling has caused financial pressure, consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor before taking out a loan, using credit or making further deposits. If gambling is affecting your mental health or relationships, a health professional can help you address the underlying concerns. You may also wish to contact an independent gambling help service in your state or territory.

If you are supporting someone else

• Choose a calm time to discuss what you have noticed.
• Focus on the person’s wellbeing rather than criticising or blaming them.
• Encourage professional support and offer to help them find suitable services.
• Avoid lending money or covering up gambling-related problems.
• Protect shared finances and important documents where appropriate.
• Remember that you can seek support for yourself, even if the other person is not ready.

If gambling is connected with thoughts of self-harm, immediate danger or a serious mental health crisis, stop gambling and seek urgent help from local emergency or health services. Your safety comes first.

24Casino encourages players to make informed choices, use available account controls and seek help early. If you have a question about responsible gaming features, use the support options displayed on the website. We may ask for information needed to protect your account, apply a restriction or respond to a responsible gaming request.