Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every wager can result in a loss, whether you are playing casino games, placing bets or using another gambling product. Past results do not predict future outcomes, and a run of wins does not make a future win more likely. Likewise, a loss does not mean that a win is due. Chance cannot be controlled by a strategy, system or pattern.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been paid. Gambling should never come before rent or mortgage payments, bills, food, transport, education, family commitments or other important expenses. Do not use borrowed money, credit intended for essential needs or emergency savings to gamble. It is also important not to gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired, angry or affected by alcohol or other substances, as these circumstances can make it harder to make careful decisions.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment, rather than money that you expect to recover or increase. When your limit is reached, stop playing. Avoid changing your limit during a session simply because you have lost or because you believe a win is about to happen.

• Set a spending limit before gambling and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household and personal finances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing bet size or playing for longer.
• Never borrow money or sell belongings to fund gambling.
• Do not rely on gambling to solve financial, relationship or emotional problems.
• Keep your account details secure and do not allow another person to gamble using your account.

Recognising signs of harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it may affect finances, relationships, work, study, health and general wellbeing. Some people may not recognise a problem until the consequences become serious. You do not need to wait for a crisis before taking action. A concern about your gambling is enough reason to pause and seek help.

Possible warning signs include spending more money or time gambling than planned, repeatedly trying and failing to cut back, chasing losses, hiding gambling from family or friends, feeling restless when not gambling, or thinking about gambling throughout the day. Other signs may include missing work or personal commitments, using money set aside for bills, asking others for money, selling possessions, feeling anxious or low after gambling, or continuing despite conflict and financial difficulty.

• You gamble for longer than intended or find it hard to stop.
• You increase your bets to feel the same excitement.
• You try to win back losses by gambling more.
• You feel guilty, secretive, anxious or upset about your gambling.
• You hide transactions or give misleading information about gambling.
• You use essential funds, credit or borrowed money to continue.
• Gambling affects your sleep, work, study, relationships or health.
• You experience thoughts of hopelessness or feel unable to cope.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust. A family member, friend, financial counsellor, health professional or gambling support service can help you consider practical next steps. You can also contact Spirit Casino support to ask about available account restrictions, breaks or closure. Support is available whether the concern relates to your own gambling or someone else’s.

If gambling has created debt or financial pressure, avoid taking further credit to cover losses. Consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor about your options. If you are in immediate danger, feel unable to keep yourself safe or have thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services or an urgent mental health service in your area immediately.