Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are based on chance or other factors that cannot always be predicted or controlled. Previous results do not determine future outcomes, and a loss cannot be changed by placing another bet. Treat any money used for gambling as entertainment spending, similar to the cost of another leisure activity.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses have been paid. Gambling should not be funded with money set aside for rent, bills, food, education, medical needs or other important commitments. It should also not be funded through borrowing, credit intended for essential use or money belonging to someone else.

• Set a budget before you start and keep to it.
• Decide how much time you are comfortable spending and take regular breaks.
• Never chase losses by trying to win back money through further gambling.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, affected by alcohol or affected by other substances.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are independent and cannot be controlled by patterns, systems or rituals.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday financial responsibilities.
• Consider whether gambling is still enjoyable before continuing.

A useful way to stay in control is to decide your limits before opening a game or placing a wager. Making decisions in advance can reduce the chance of increasing your spending or gambling time during a session. If you reach a limit, stop rather than changing it in the moment.

Tools to help you stay in control

Account and gambling controls may be available to help you manage your activity. Depending on the service and your circumstances, these may include deposit, spending, loss or wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs and account closure or self-exclusion options. Availability and operation can vary, so review the relevant information before choosing a control.

Set a financial limit

Choose an amount that reflects your disposable income and personal budget. A limit can help prevent unplanned spending, but it is not a guarantee that gambling will be affordable. Keep track of your deposits, wagers, withdrawals and losses so you have a clear view of your activity.

Set a time limit

Decide when your session will end before you begin. Take breaks away from the screen and avoid allowing gambling to interfere with sleep, work, study, family time or other responsibilities. If you find it difficult to stop when planned, consider taking a longer break or using a time-out feature.

Use a time-out or self-exclusion

If you want to stop gambling for a period, a time-out may provide a short break. If you believe you need a longer or permanent break, self-exclusion can prevent access to the account or service for the selected period, subject to the applicable process and terms. During self-exclusion, do not create another account or attempt to access gambling services through another person.

Controls work best when combined with practical steps. You may wish to remove saved payment methods, avoid gambling apps or websites, ask a trusted person to support your plan and use banking or device features that help limit access. A trusted person should only be involved with your consent and should never be given another person's account credentials.

Signs that gambling may be causing harm

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. It may affect money, mental health, physical health, work, study and relationships. You do not need to wait until a serious problem develops before asking for help. Recognising a concern early is a positive step.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling unable to focus on other activities.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to get the same excitement.
• Trying to recover losses by gambling more often or with larger amounts.
• Hiding gambling, deposits, losses or account activity from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing bills because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty, low or stressed because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Missing work, study, sleep or personal responsibilities.
• Trying to stop or cut down but finding it difficult to do so.

These signs do not represent a diagnosis, but they can indicate that gambling is no longer within your control. If any of them feel familiar, stop and consider speaking with someone independent. You can contact a qualified gambling counsellor, a recognised Australian gambling support service, a health professional or a trusted person in your life.

If you are experiencing severe distress, feel unsafe or have thoughts of harming yourself, seek urgent help through local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in Australia. Your immediate safety is more important than any gambling account or financial concern.

Our approach to safer gambling

9au Casino aims to provide clear information and support players who want to manage their gambling. We may use account information and activity patterns to identify circumstances that could indicate gambling-related harm. Where appropriate, we may contact a player, provide information about available controls, ask questions about their activity or take steps consistent with applicable requirements and our terms.

Responsible gaming is a shared responsibility. We encourage players to provide accurate information, use available controls and contact support if they are concerned about their gambling. Our support team may be able to explain account options and responsible gaming features, but it cannot provide financial, legal or clinical advice.

Accounts must be used only by the registered account holder. Do not allow another person to gamble through your account, and do not gamble through another person's account. If you are under the legal gambling age, you must not use the service. Parents and carers should consider device, payment and account controls to help prevent access by children and other unauthorised users.

If you choose to close or self-exclude from your account, follow the available process and provide any information needed to identify the account. Do not reopen an account or create a new one to avoid a restriction. If you believe a restriction has not been applied correctly, contact the service through the available support channel and explain the issue.

Getting support

You do not have to manage a gambling concern alone. In Australia, free and confidential gambling support is available through state and territory services, national gambling helplines, qualified counsellors and community health professionals. Support may also be available for family members and friends affected by another person's gambling. Search for an official Australian gambling support service in your state or territory, speak with your doctor or contact a qualified counsellor.

When seeking support, be open about how often you gamble, how much money and time you spend, whether you have tried to stop and how gambling is affecting your life. This information can help a professional suggest suitable next steps. You can also ask a trusted person to help you make a plan, review your finances and maintain a break from gambling.

The information on this page is general guidance only. It does not replace professional medical, financial or legal advice. For further information about available controls or account restrictions, use the support options provided on the 9au Casino website.