Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every wager can result in a loss, regardless of previous results, patterns or personal expectations. A win does not make a future win more likely, and a losing session does not mean that a win is due. Games should be approached as paid entertainment, with the possibility that the money set aside for gambling may not be returned.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably spend. Your gambling budget should only include money left after essential costs such as rent or mortgage payments, food, bills, transport and other financial commitments have been covered. Do not use money needed for daily living, savings, debt repayments or family responsibilities.

• Set a spending limit before you begin and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks during play.
• Treat losses as the cost of entertainment rather than a debt to recover.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Do not gamble with borrowed money, credit intended for other purposes or money belonging to someone else.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or affected by medication.
• Keep gambling separate from important financial decisions and household expenses.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are determined by chance and cannot be controlled through skill, rituals or betting systems.

It can also help to keep a simple record of your deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses and time spent playing. Reviewing this information may give you a clearer view of your gambling activity than relying on memory alone. If the figures or the amount of time concern you, stop playing and consider speaking with someone you trust or a professional support service.

Tools for safer play

Safer gambling tools can help you maintain control, but they work best when used early and honestly. Depending on the options available to your account, you may be able to set financial or time-based controls, take a temporary break or request that access to your account is restricted. These tools are designed to support your decisions and should be considered before gambling becomes difficult to manage.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit limit can restrict the amount of money added to your account over a selected period. Choose an amount that fits comfortably within your entertainment budget, rather than an amount based on what you hope to win. If a limit is available, consider setting it before your first deposit and reviewing it only after a suitable period of reflection. Increasing a limit should never be used as a response to losses or frustration.

Time limits and breaks

Use reminders, scheduled breaks or personal alarms to avoid playing for longer than planned. A short break can help you assess how you are feeling and whether you are still making decisions within your budget. A longer time-out may be appropriate if you want to step away from gambling for a defined period. During a break, avoid using another account or gambling service to continue playing.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling. It involves requesting that access to gambling services is prevented or limited for a chosen period or, where available, an ongoing period. If you choose self-exclusion, do not attempt to bypass it by opening another account, using another person’s account or asking someone else to gamble on your behalf. You can also ask trusted people to support your decision by helping you avoid gambling-related prompts and access.

Available controls, waiting periods and the way requests are applied may depend on the service and the type of restriction selected. Read the information provided when choosing a tool and keep a record of the settings you request. If you need help understanding an option, seek clarification before continuing to gamble.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people from any background and may develop gradually. You do not need to wait until there is a serious financial or personal impact before asking for help. An early conversation can make it easier to regain control and protect your wellbeing.

• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it hard to focus on other activities.
• Gambling for longer than planned or spending more than intended.
• Increasing the amount wagered to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or returning soon after losing.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments because of gambling.
• Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, sleep or other responsibilities.
• Continuing to gamble despite knowing that it is causing financial, emotional or relationship problems.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and take a practical step today. You could apply a break or self-exclusion, remove saved payment details, avoid gambling advertising, tell a trusted person what is happening and arrange support from a qualified counsellor or health professional. Taking action is a sign of responsibility, not failure.

Support for family and friends

Gambling can affect partners, relatives, friends and other people who share financial or household responsibilities. If you are concerned about another person, choose a calm time to explain what you have noticed without judgement. Encourage them to seek professional help, but remember that you cannot control another adult’s decisions. Protect your own finances by keeping accounts, passwords and important documents secure, and seek independent financial or legal advice where appropriate.

Getting help and protecting young people

Professional support is available for people who are worried about their gambling and for anyone affected by someone else’s gambling. Australian players can seek assistance through recognised gambling support services, community health providers, counsellors, psychologists and financial counsellors. These services can help with practical planning, emotional support, financial concerns and steps to reduce or stop gambling.

When contacting a support service, explain how often you gamble, how much time and money are involved, whether you have tried to stop and what impact gambling is having. You do not need to have all the answers before asking for help. A qualified professional can help you decide on suitable next steps. If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm or you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or an urgent mental health service in your area.

Underage gambling

People below the legal gambling age must not use gambling services. Parents and guardians should talk openly with young people about the risks of gambling and explain that gambling outcomes cannot be predicted or controlled. Keep devices, payment methods and account credentials secure, and do not allow another person to use your account. If you believe an underage person has accessed an account or gambling service, stop the activity and seek assistance through the relevant support or account channel.

Account security and personal responsibility

Only use your own account and provide accurate information when required. Do not share passwords, payment details or access with another person. Review account activity regularly and report anything you do not recognise through the available account support process. Responsible gaming also includes being honest with yourself about your activity and acting promptly when your chosen limits are not working.

Playjonny Casino encourages players to use safer gambling tools before problems develop. If gambling is no longer fun, affordable or within your control, the safest choice is to stop and seek support. A pause today can help protect your finances, relationships, health and future wellbeing.