Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling can be enjoyable when it is kept within clear personal and financial boundaries. Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense and do not increase it simply because you have experienced losses. There is no guaranteed method for winning, and previous results do not predict future results.

Games of chance are designed so that outcomes are uncertain. A win does not mean another win is more likely, and a loss does not make a win due. Trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble can lead to decisions that are difficult to control. If gambling stops feeling enjoyable, take a break and consider speaking with a support service.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before you start and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks from play.
• Keep gambling separate from essential spending, including rent, bills, food and savings.
• Do not gamble with borrowed money, credit intended for other purposes or money needed by someone else.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses so you have a realistic view of your activity.
• Do not chase losses or increase your stakes to try to recover money.
• Never assume that a gambling system, tip, strategy or pattern can guarantee a result.

It can also help to tell someone you trust about your limits. An open conversation with a partner, family member or friend may make it easier to notice changes in your gambling and take action early.

Safer gambling tools and account controls

Depending on the services available on your account, MyStake Casino may provide tools that help you manage your gambling. These tools are intended to support your own decisions; they cannot remove every risk and should not replace personal judgement or professional advice. Review the available settings before playing and choose controls that match your circumstances.

Limits and reminders

• Deposit limits can help restrict the amount added to an account over a selected period.
• Loss or spending limits can help you set a maximum amount you are prepared to lose.
• Wagering or session limits can help you manage the amount of time and activity associated with play.
• Reality checks and activity statements can remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have deposited or wagered.
• A cooling-off period can provide a short break when you want to pause gambling without closing your account permanently.

Read the terms shown for each control carefully. Some settings may take effect immediately, while others may require a waiting period before a reduction or change is applied. Limits should be set before gambling starts and should not be treated as permission to spend the full amount. If you are unsure how a control works, pause your play and seek clarification through the available account support channels.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for people who want to stop gambling for a defined period or indefinitely. A self-exclusion request should be taken seriously. During the selected period, do not attempt to open another account, use another person's account or find ways around the restriction. If you believe you need self-exclusion, stop playing and use the responsible gambling or account support process available on the website.

Account controls are only one part of a safer gambling plan. Consider blocking gambling-related advertising, removing saved payment details, asking your bank whether gambling transaction controls are available, and giving a trusted person permission to help you monitor your finances. These steps may make it easier to maintain a break.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people from any background. It may develop gradually, and you do not need to lose a particular amount of money before asking for help. The important question is whether gambling is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, work, study or finances.

Warning signs can include

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling restless when you try to stop.
• Chasing losses or gambling with larger amounts to feel the same excitement.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or using essential funds to gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from others.
• Missing work, study, family commitments or other responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, ashamed, irritable or unhappy after gambling.
• Trying to cut back or stop but finding that you cannot do so.
• Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, depression or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with family or friends about money, time or gambling behaviour.

If any of these signs sound familiar, take action rather than waiting for the situation to worsen. Stop gambling, activate a break or self-exclusion where appropriate, and speak with a qualified gambling support service or health professional. You can ask for help even if you are not sure whether your gambling is a problem.

If gambling has caused financial pressure, consider speaking with a financial counsellor about budgeting, debt and practical next steps. Do not use further gambling as a way to repair financial difficulties. If gambling is affecting your mental health or you feel unsafe, contact an appropriate emergency or crisis service in your area.

Protecting young people and other account users

Gambling is for adults who meet the applicable legal age requirements. Minors must not create, access or use a gambling account. Parents, carers and account holders should take reasonable steps to prevent children and young people from accessing gambling websites, applications, devices and payment methods.

• Keep account passwords private and use a strong password that is not shared with anyone else.
• Use device passwords, screen locks and parental controls where appropriate.
• Do not leave an active gambling session unattended on a shared device.
• Keep payment cards, banking applications and account details secure.
• Do not allow another person to gamble using your account, and do not gamble on behalf of someone else.
• Check account activity regularly and report anything you do not recognise through the available support process.

Your account should be used only by you. Sharing access can create financial, privacy and safer gambling risks, and may affect the ability to apply account controls correctly. Keep your personal information accurate and follow the account verification requirements shown on the website.

Where to find help

Support is available from gambling help organisations, state and territory services, financial counsellors, general practitioners and qualified mental health professionals across Australia. These services can provide confidential information, counselling, financial guidance and support for affected family members. Look for current information on official Australian health and gambling support websites, or contact a trusted health professional for a suitable referral.

If you are supporting someone who gambles, set clear boundaries around money, protect essential household funds and avoid covering up or repeatedly paying gambling debts. Encourage the person to seek professional help, while also seeking support for yourself. If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services in your area.

For account-related responsible gambling requests, use the relevant support or account management option available through MyStake Casino. Please do not continue gambling while waiting for assistance if you are concerned about your behaviour. Taking a break is a sensible first step.