Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game is based on chance or other outcomes that cannot be controlled by a player. A previous win does not make another win more likely, and a previous loss does not mean that a win is due. Understanding this can help you make decisions based on realistic expectations.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after covering your ordinary living costs and financial commitments. Gambling funds should never come from rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, food, education, medical expenses or money set aside for dependants. Do not borrow money, use credit to chase losses or sell important belongings to continue gambling.

Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over. Anyone under 18 must not use gambling services. Parents, carers and other adults should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling accounts, websites, devices and payment methods.

Set your own boundaries

• Decide how much money and time you can spend before you begin.
• Treat your gambling budget as entertainment spending, not as an investment.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for everyday expenses.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not rely on gambling to improve your finances or solve personal problems.
• Accept that losses are part of gambling and never try to win them back by increasing your stakes.

Recognising when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. You may not notice a problem immediately, and it can affect people from all backgrounds and financial circumstances. The important thing is to pay attention to changes in your behaviour, mood, finances and relationships. Acting early can make it easier to regain control.

Consider taking a break and seeking support if you recognise one or more of the following signs:

• You spend more money or time gambling than you planned.
• You increase your stakes to try to recover losses or feel the same level of excitement.
• You think about gambling frequently or find it difficult to focus on other activities.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or reduce your gambling.
• You hide your gambling, losses or account activity from family, friends or other people close to you.
• You borrow money, miss payments or use money intended for essential expenses.
• You gamble to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult emotions.
• Gambling is affecting your sleep, work, studies, health or relationships.
• You have tried to stop or cut back but have not been able to do so.
• You feel guilt, shame, hopelessness or distress because of your gambling.

One sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling problem, but it is worth treating any concern seriously. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speaking with someone you trust or a qualified support service can help you understand your options without judgement.

Tools and practical ways to stay in control

Responsible gambling starts with a plan. Before opening a game, decide the maximum amount you are prepared to spend and the maximum time you are prepared to play. Write these limits down if that helps. Once a limit is reached, stop for the day rather than changing the limit in the moment.

Money controls

Depending on the service and your location, responsible gambling tools may include deposit limits, spending limits, loss limits or other account controls. If these options are available through your Casinochan account, use them before gambling or whenever your circumstances change. A limit should reflect what you can genuinely afford, rather than the amount you hope to win.

Time controls

Set a clear stopping time and use reminders to avoid playing for longer than intended. Take regular breaks away from the screen. Avoid gambling late at night or during periods when you have other responsibilities. If you regularly lose track of time, consider stopping altogether and using an account break or exclusion option where available.

Avoid chasing losses

Chasing losses means continuing to gamble or increasing your stakes because you want to recover money already lost. This can cause losses to grow quickly. Treat each gambling session as separate and accept that money already lost cannot be recovered by a guaranteed strategy. There is no system that can remove the risk from casino games.

Keep gambling private from your finances, not from trusted people

Keep records of your spending and check your bank activity regularly. Consider telling a trusted person about the limits you have set so they can support you. Keeping gambling secret can make it harder to notice when your behaviour is changing. Do not share your account with anyone else, and do not allow another person to gamble using your account.

• Use only one account in your own name and keep your login details secure.
• Do not gamble while affected by alcohol or drugs.
• Turn off promotional notifications if they encourage you to play when you do not want to.
• Remove saved payment details or reduce access to funds if this helps you keep to your plan.
• Stop playing immediately if gambling is no longer enjoyable or feels difficult to control.

Taking a break or closing your account

A temporary break can be useful if you want time away from gambling, review your habits or regain control. Depending on the options available to you, this may involve setting a short-term account break, restricting access or asking for a longer period of self-exclusion. Choose a period that gives you enough time to step away from gambling without making an immediate decision to return.

If you believe that gambling is harming you, a longer self-exclusion or account closure may be more appropriate than a temporary limit. Self-exclusion is a voluntary decision not to use gambling services for a chosen period or until a specified review process. It should be taken seriously and should not be cancelled simply because you feel an urge to gamble.

Account controls and exclusion arrangements can vary according to the service, the account status and applicable requirements. Use the responsible gambling or account support options shown on the Casinochan website to ask about the choices available to you. Do not create another account or use another person's account to avoid a restriction.

While taking a break, remove gambling applications or bookmarks, block access where practical, unsubscribe from gambling marketing and avoid places or situations that make you want to play. Ask a trusted person to help you manage access to money if you are concerned that you may gamble impulsively.

Getting support

If gambling is affecting your life, support is available. You can speak with a trusted family member, friend, doctor, counsellor or qualified gambling support service in Australia. Support services can provide confidential information, practical tools and guidance about treatment, financial concerns and the effect of gambling on relationships.

You do not have to manage the situation alone, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. A support professional can help you create a plan, identify triggers, manage urges and consider whether account restrictions, financial advice or counselling may be useful. If you are supporting someone else, listen without blame, encourage professional help and protect essential household finances.

If you feel unsafe

Gambling harm can sometimes contribute to severe distress or thoughts of self-harm. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in Australia or attend the nearest emergency department. If there is no immediate danger but you feel overwhelmed, contact a qualified mental health or gambling support service as soon as possible.

For questions about responsible gambling settings, account breaks, self-exclusion or account closure, use the support channel displayed on the Casinochan website. Provide only the information needed to manage your request, and do not share your password or one-time security codes.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Review your limits regularly, be honest about how gambling affects you and take action early if your circumstances change. If gambling is no longer fun, the safest choice is to stop and seek support.