Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Responsible gaming means making informed decisions about whether, when and how you gamble. Before using an online casino, consider whether gambling is suitable for your circumstances, budget and state of mind. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and treat every wager as an entertainment expense rather than an investment.

Gambling outcomes are based on chance. Previous results do not change the likelihood of future results, and no system, pattern or strategy can guarantee a win. Avoid chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble or relying on gambling to improve your finances. If you are feeling upset, stressed, tired or affected by alcohol or other substances, take a break and return only when you are in a clear state of mind.

• Set a spending limit before you start and keep to it.
• Decide how long you will play and take regular breaks.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Do not gamble with borrowed money, credit intended for bills or money needed by others.
• Accept that losses are part of gambling and cannot be recovered by placing further bets.
• Balance gambling with work, family, social activities and other interests.

Set limits and use account controls

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to stay in control. Consider setting a personal budget for gambling over a day, week or month, along with a time limit for each session. Your budget should be affordable after important costs such as rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, education and other regular commitments have been covered.

Where account controls are available, use them to support your plan. Depending on the service and the applicable requirements, these may include deposit limits, loss or wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs, cooling-off periods or account closure. Read the terms of any control carefully before confirming it, including how long it applies and whether it can be changed or removed.

A simple planning check

1. Choose an amount that you can comfortably lose without affecting your normal commitments.
2. Choose a time period for that amount and write it down.
3. Set the relevant account limit before gambling, if that control is available.
4. Stop when you reach your time or spending limit, even if you are winning or trying to recover a loss.
5. Review your gambling regularly and reduce or stop if it is becoming difficult to follow your plan.

Do not increase a limit during a session because you are losing or feeling confident. A limit is most useful when it is decided calmly, before gambling begins. You can also use device settings, banking tools and personal reminders to create additional separation between gambling and everyday finances.

Recognise signs of concern

Gambling can become harmful gradually. A single sign does not necessarily mean that a person has a gambling problem, but repeated signs are worth taking seriously. Be honest with yourself about how gambling affects your time, money, relationships, work, study and wellbeing.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling more often or with larger amounts.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you are not gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments to continue gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or its financial effects.
• Feeling unable to stop, cut back or take a break despite wanting to do so.
• Experiencing anxiety, shame, hopelessness or other negative feelings after gambling.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and consider speaking with someone you trust. Support is available, and asking for help early can make it easier to regain control. You do not need to wait until gambling has caused a serious financial or personal problem.

Taking a break or closing your account

If you want to stop gambling, use the responsible gaming options available through your account or contact the relevant support channel for guidance. You may be able to request a temporary time-out, a cooling-off period or longer-term self-exclusion, depending on the service and applicable requirements. Choose the option that best matches the level of break you need.

Self-exclusion is a formal decision to prevent or restrict your access to gambling for a selected period or until further notice, where that option is available. It is intended to help people stop gambling, but it should be combined with practical steps such as removing gambling applications, blocking promotional messages, limiting access to funds and telling a trusted person about your decision.

If you have multiple gambling accounts, consider asking each provider about its available exclusion and account closure processes. Closing one account may not stop access to other gambling services. Do not create a new account or use another person’s account to get around a restriction. Account controls are personal and should not be shared.

When requesting a break or account closure, check any information provided about pending transactions, identity checks and access to account records. Do not continue gambling while waiting for a request to be completed. If you are unsure which option to select, ask the service team to explain the available responsible gaming measures in general terms.

Getting support in Australia

You do not have to manage gambling concerns alone. In Australia, support may be available through gambling counselling services, health professionals, community organisations and services provided in your state or territory. A qualified counsellor can help you understand your gambling, make a plan, address financial concerns and involve family or friends if appropriate.

If you are supporting someone else, try to speak calmly and focus on the effect gambling is having rather than blaming or judging them. Encourage the person to seek professional help, protect essential household money where appropriate and avoid giving them additional funds to gamble. You can also seek support for yourself, as gambling-related harm can affect partners, relatives and friends.

Financial difficulties may require separate advice. Consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor about budgeting, debts and essential payments. Do not use gambling as a way to resolve financial stress. If gambling is affecting your mental health or you feel unsafe, seek urgent assistance from an appropriate health or emergency service in your area.

Onluck Casino encourages players to take responsible gaming seriously. You are responsible for deciding whether gambling is appropriate for you and for using the controls available to manage your play. If you are under the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, do not create an account or gamble. Always follow the laws and requirements that apply where you live.