Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling in perspective

Gambling involves risk and outcomes are determined by chance. No betting system, pattern, strategy or previous result can guarantee a win. A game that has not produced a particular result for some time is not necessarily more likely to produce it next time. Similarly, a win does not mean that future play will be profitable. Keeping this in mind can help you make decisions based on entertainment rather than expectation.

Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose after essential expenses have been paid. Your gambling budget should never come from rent, mortgage payments, food, bills, medical costs, school expenses or money set aside for other important purposes. Do not borrow money, use credit to chase losses or sell possessions to continue gambling. If gambling is affecting your ability to meet regular commitments, stop playing and seek support.

Plan before you play

• Set a personal spending limit before you start and avoid changing it during a gambling session.
• Decide how much time you are comfortable spending and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday finances by using only a planned entertainment budget.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or other substances, or trying to recover money you have lost.
• Treat losses as the cost of entertainment rather than as an amount that must be won back.
• Avoid making important financial decisions while gambling or immediately after a significant win or loss.

It can also be useful to keep a simple record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent and the reasons you play. Reviewing this information regularly may help you notice changes in your behaviour. If the amount of time or money is increasing, or if you are hiding your gambling from people close to you, consider taking a break and speaking with an independent support service.

Use tools to help stay in control

Responsible gaming tools can support your decisions, but they work best when chosen before problems develop. Depending on the platform and the rules that apply to your account, available controls may include deposit limits, loss limits, wagering or spending reminders, session notifications, temporary breaks and self-exclusion. Check the account or responsible gaming area for the controls available to you.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit limit can restrict the amount added to an account over a selected period. A spending or loss limit, where available, may provide another way to manage gambling activity. Choose an amount that fits comfortably within your entertainment budget. A limit should be set before gambling, and increasing it during a period of excitement, frustration or loss may reduce its protective value. Some changes may not apply immediately, so do not rely on a limit being changed in real time.

Time reminders and breaks

Long or uninterrupted sessions can make it harder to assess how much time and money you are using. Use reminders or take regular breaks to eat, sleep, work, study and spend time with family or friends. Leaving the gambling environment for a while can make it easier to review your choices. If you find that you regularly ignore reminders or intend to stop but continue playing, consider a longer break or self-exclusion.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for people who want to stop gambling for a defined period or indefinitely. If you choose self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not try to create another account or use another person's account. Self-exclusion may apply only to the service where it is requested, so consider asking other gambling providers to apply their own exclusion controls as well. You can also speak with an independent support service about broader exclusion options that may be relevant in your state or territory.

If you believe a control is not working as expected, stop gambling and contact the service through its available support channel. Do not continue playing while waiting for a limit, break or exclusion request to take effect.

Recognise warning signs and take action

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. A person may not notice a problem until gambling affects their finances, relationships, work, studies, sleep or mental wellbeing. You do not need to wait for serious harm before taking a break or asking for help. If you are concerned about your own gambling or someone else's gambling, early support can make it easier to regain control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling more often or with larger amounts.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you cannot gamble.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, boredom, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or using money intended for essentials.
• Selling belongings, taking out credit or using someone else's money to gamble.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling or breaking promises to reduce it.
• Missing work, study, appointments, sleep or social activities because of gambling.
• Attempting to stop or cut back but finding that you cannot do so.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or hopelessness after gambling, then returning to gamble again.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling for the moment and move away from the website or app.
2. Use an available break, deposit limit or self-exclusion option rather than relying only on willpower.
3. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to help you stay accountable.
4. Review your bank accounts and regular expenses so you understand the effect gambling may be having.
5. Remove saved payment methods or reduce access to funds if doing so will make a break easier.
6. Contact an independent gambling support service, counsellor, financial counsellor or health professional.
7. If gambling has created debt, seek financial guidance before taking out new credit or making repayment promises.

A family member, friend or colleague may also be affected by another person's gambling. If you are supporting someone, choose a calm time to talk, describe the behaviour you have noticed and avoid accusations. You can encourage professional help, but you are not responsible for controlling another adult's gambling. Protect your own finances, accounts and personal information, and seek support for yourself if the situation is causing stress.

If gambling is linked with thoughts of self-harm, suicide, violence or an immediate safety risk, seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services in Australia. Do not remain alone with an immediate risk. Gambling support services and qualified health professionals can also help with the emotional and practical issues that may accompany gambling harm.

Support, age and account responsibility

Independent support in Australia

You can seek confidential, independent assistance from Gambling Help Online, state and territory gambling support services, a qualified counsellor, a psychologist, a GP or a financial counsellor. These services can help with reducing or stopping gambling, managing urges, discussing the effect on relationships and creating a plan for financial recovery. You do not need to be in crisis or have a particular level of debt to ask for help.

People close to you can also contact a support service for guidance. Professional advice may help you set boundaries, protect household finances and communicate in a constructive way. Consider using more than one type of support when appropriate, such as counselling for behaviour and financial counselling for debts or budgeting.

Age and account use

Gambling services are intended for adults who meet the applicable minimum age requirements. Do not create or use an account if you are under 18, and do not allow a child or another unauthorised person to access your account. Keep login details, devices and payment methods secure. If you believe a young person may be accessing gambling content, take steps to restrict access and seek appropriate advice.

Our responsible gaming approach

Gunsbet Casino aims to provide clear information about responsible gaming and to make available controls that may help players manage their activity. Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility. We encourage players to use limits and breaks proactively, respond honestly to concerns about their play and ask for support early. Where account activity raises responsible gaming concerns, additional checks, restrictions or other measures may be applied in line with applicable requirements and the service's policies.

No tool can remove the risks associated with gambling, and no responsible gaming message should be understood as a promise that losses can be prevented. The safest option for a person experiencing harm may be to stop gambling and use self-exclusion or independent support. Review this page regularly, keep your personal limits up to date and act promptly if gambling stops feeling enjoyable or manageable.