Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk. There is no guaranteed way to win, and losses can occur quickly. Games are based on chance or other factors that mean outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty. Previous results do not change the likelihood of future results, and a win is never owed because you have experienced losses.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably spend as part of your entertainment budget. Treat that amount as a cost, just as you would treat the cost of another leisure activity. Only use money that is available after essential expenses, debts and other financial commitments have been covered.

• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not increase it to chase a loss.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the device or website.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, savings or family responsibilities.
• Never borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, intoxicated or under the influence of medication or other substances.
• Never regard gambling as a reliable source of income or a solution to financial difficulties.
• Remember that stopping after a loss is a responsible decision, not a failure.

Gambling is intended for adults who meet the applicable legal age requirements. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account. Keep your login information private, use suitable device security and log out when you have finished playing, particularly when sharing a device.

Set boundaries before you play

A written plan can make it easier to stay in control. Consider setting both a money limit and a time limit before opening a game. A limit is most useful when it is decided in advance and treated as final. Avoid making decisions in the excitement of play, especially after a win or loss.

Practical ways to stay in control

1. Decide the maximum amount you are prepared to lose during a session, day or other period that suits your circumstances.
2. Decide how long your session will last and set an alarm or reminder to help you finish on time.
3. Record deposits, wagers and withdrawals so you have a clear view of your gambling activity.
4. Take regular breaks and spend time on other activities, including exercise, hobbies, work or time with friends and family.
5. Avoid keeping gambling funds readily available if doing so makes it harder to follow your plan.
6. Review your behaviour regularly and reduce or stop gambling if it is becoming more frequent, expensive or difficult to control.

Depending on the service and applicable requirements, account controls may be available to help you manage play. These can include deposit or spending limits, time reminders, activity statements, temporary breaks or self-exclusion. The exact controls, settings and conditions can vary. Review the options available through your account and consider choosing limits that reflect your personal budget rather than the maximum available.

A limit is not a guarantee that gambling will be harmless. You remain responsible for following the limit you choose and for checking that your account is being used only by you. If you are unable to follow your own limits, take a break and seek support instead of continuing to play.

Recognise the signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It may develop gradually, and a person does not need to gamble every day to experience problems. Recognising changes early can make it easier to take action.

You may need to pause or stop gambling if you notice that you are:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Chasing losses by continuing to play in an attempt to win back money.
• Thinking about gambling often or feeling restless when you cannot play.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from people close to you.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using essential funds to gamble.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, anxiety or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilt, regret, shame or a loss of control after gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, sleep or other responsibilities.
• Trying to cut back or stop but returning to gambling repeatedly.

Any one of these signs can be a reason to take a break. You do not have to wait for a serious financial or personal crisis before asking for help. Consider telling someone you trust what is happening, stopping access to gambling and speaking with a qualified support service.

Chasing losses is not a solution

After a loss, it can be tempting to increase stakes or continue for longer in the hope of recovering money. This is known as chasing losses and can make the overall loss larger. A loss cannot be changed by a future result, and no strategy can guarantee recovery. The safest response is to stop, review your limits and seek support if you feel unable to do so.

Taking a break and finding support

If gambling is becoming difficult to manage, consider using an available break, limit or self-exclusion option. Self-exclusion is a decision to prevent or restrict your access to gambling for a chosen period or in accordance with the applicable process. Before requesting a break or self-exclusion, review any information provided about how it works, including when it starts, how long it applies and whether it can be changed or ended early.

You can also reduce access by removing saved payment methods where possible, blocking gambling websites or applications on your devices, handing control of finances to a trusted person with your agreement, and asking friends or family not to lend you money for gambling. These steps can be used alongside professional support.

Speaking with someone early is often a practical first step. Support may be available through Gambling Help Online, state and territory gambling support services, a qualified counsellor, a general practitioner or a financial counsellor. These services can provide confidential guidance about gambling behaviour, financial stress, relationships and steps for recovery. If gambling is affecting someone close to you, support is also available for family members and friends.

Allstars Casino can provide general information about responsible gaming and the account processes that may be available. We cannot provide counselling, diagnose gambling harm or replace professional financial, legal or health advice. If you contact us about a gambling concern, provide only the information needed to manage your account and follow the responsible gaming process. We may apply account restrictions or other measures where required by applicable laws, rules or our responsible gaming procedures.

If gambling has caused immediate financial, relationship or personal danger, stop gambling and seek urgent help from an appropriate emergency or support service. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or believe you may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services or a crisis support service without delay.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Check your habits regularly, keep your limits realistic and be willing to stop completely if gambling is no longer enjoyable or manageable. Asking for help is a positive step towards protecting your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the people around you.