Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling in perspective

Responsible gaming means staying in control of how, when and why you gamble. Before you play, consider whether gambling fits comfortably within your budget and your usual leisure activities. There is no guaranteed way to win, and the outcome of a game or bet cannot be predicted simply because you have won or lost previously. Gambling results are independent, and past performance does not create a better chance of a future result.

Treat any money spent on gambling as an entertainment expense. Set a personal amount that you can afford to lose, and do not increase that amount because of a losing session. Winnings are not income, and gambling should not be used to pay bills, cover debts, replace employment income or solve financial problems. If money is tight, postponing play is the safer choice.

It is also important to consider how gambling may affect people around you. Spending more time or money than intended can create stress in relationships and make it harder to meet everyday responsibilities. A simple conversation with someone you trust can help you check whether your gambling remains balanced with work, family, study, health and other interests.

Before you start

• Decide how much money and time you can comfortably spend before opening a game or placing a bet.
• Only gamble with money that is available for entertainment after essential costs have been covered.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to escape a personal problem.
• Make sure you understand the relevant game, bet, payment and account conditions before taking part.
• Remember that no system, strategy or pattern can guarantee a win.

Set limits and use safer play controls

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to stay within your intentions. Where safer gambling features are available, review the settings offered on your account and choose limits that reflect your personal budget. Depending on the service and the feature, controls may relate to deposits, spending, losses, session time, account access or cooling-off periods. Read the conditions carefully so you understand when a setting starts, how it operates and whether it can be changed.

A limit works best when it is set before you begin playing. Do not treat a limit as a target that must be reached, and do not try to work around it by opening another account, using another person's account or moving money between payment methods. Account access should be personal and secure. If you believe a limit is no longer suitable, stop playing and review your situation rather than increasing it impulsively.

Practical ways to stay within control

1. Create a simple entertainment budget that is separate from rent, food, transport, education, medical costs and other essential expenses.
2. Set a time reminder before you play and take regular breaks away from the screen.
3. Keep records of deposits, withdrawals and gambling activity so you have a realistic view of your overall spending.
4. Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing for longer than planned.
5. Avoid borrowing money, using credit for gambling or selling belongings to continue playing.
6. Turn off promotional messages or notifications if they make it harder to take a break.
7. Do not gamble through another person's account, and never allow another person to use your account.
8. Consider a cooling-off period or account closure if you are finding it difficult to stop.

Financial transactions may take time to appear in your account, and payment providers may apply their own conditions. Keep enough money available for ordinary commitments and check your statements regularly. If you notice activity that you do not recognise, secure your account and raise the matter through the available support channel before continuing to play.

Recognise when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. A person may not notice a problem until gambling begins to affect finances, relationships, work, study, sleep or physical and mental health. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for support. Speaking with someone early can help you understand your options and make a plan.

The following signs may indicate that gambling is becoming difficult to manage:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money by gambling more often or taking greater risks.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using essential funds to gamble.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Losing interest in work, study, family, friendships, hobbies or normal routines.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back but being unable to follow through.
• Feeling shame, guilt, hopelessness or distress after gambling.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and consider taking a longer break. Speak honestly with a trusted person and seek advice from a gambling support service, counsellor, financial counsellor or health professional. Support can be confidential, and you can ask for help even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem.

If you are worried about someone else

You may notice changes in another person's behaviour before they recognise them themselves. Approach the conversation calmly and choose a private time. Focus on what you have observed, explain that you are concerned and avoid making accusations. Encourage the person to speak with a qualified support service. You can also seek advice for yourself about setting boundaries, protecting shared finances and responding safely.

Breaks, self-exclusion and account support

Taking a break is a useful step when you want time away from gambling. A short break can help you review your spending, routines and reasons for playing. A longer break or self-exclusion may be more appropriate if you have difficulty stopping, are experiencing financial pressure or feel that gambling is affecting your wellbeing. Review the options available through the relevant account settings or support process and choose the level of restriction that best matches your circumstances.

Self-exclusion is intended to prevent or restrict access for an agreed period or under applicable conditions. Once you request a restriction, do not attempt to bypass it by creating a new account or using another person's details. If you want to resume gambling after a break, take time to consider why the break was needed and whether returning is appropriate. A support service can help you make that decision.

If you believe you may be at risk of gambling harm, contact the available account support channel and ask about safer gambling options. Keep your request clear and explain whether you need a limit, a cooling-off period, self-exclusion or account closure. Support processes and available features can vary, so read the relevant information carefully and follow any required steps.

Account security is part of safer gambling. Use a strong, private password, enable available security features and do not share login details. Keep personal and payment information secure. If another person has access to your account or you feel pressured to gamble, stop using the account and seek help.

Age, wellbeing and getting help

Gambling is only for people who meet the applicable legal age and other eligibility requirements. Do not allow a person under the legal age to access your account or use your device to gamble. Parents and carers can reduce risk by using device controls, keeping payment details private and discussing the risks of online gambling in an age-appropriate way.

Do not gamble while affected by alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair judgement. Strong emotions can also affect decision-making. If you are angry, distressed, exhausted or under pressure, step away from gambling and focus on your immediate wellbeing. Take a walk, contact someone you trust or use a professional support service instead.

Players in Australia can seek help from national or state-based gambling support services, a qualified counsellor, a financial counsellor, a general practitioner or another trusted health professional. These services can provide information about gambling harm, budgeting, relationships, mental health and available self-exclusion options. If gambling has contributed to immediate danger, severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis support service in your area.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing process, not a one-time decision. Review your habits regularly, keep your limits realistic and act early if gambling stops feeling enjoyable or manageable. Betman Casino provides this information to help players make informed choices, but each player is responsible for deciding whether gambling is suitable for them. When in doubt, taking a break and seeking independent support is the safer option.