Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming means keeping gambling within limits that are comfortable for you. Before you play, decide how much time and money you are prepared to spend, and treat that amount as an entertainment expense. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs such as rent, mortgage payments, food, bills and other financial commitments have been covered.

Casino games are based on chance. Previous results do not change the outcome of future games, and a win is never guaranteed. A losing session cannot be recovered by continuing to play, increasing stakes or chasing a particular result. Likewise, a winning session does not mean that another win is due. Set your boundaries before you begin and avoid making decisions based on emotion.

• Gamble only when you are of the legal age and permitted to do so under the laws that apply to you.
• Use gambling money only after your essential expenses and financial responsibilities have been met.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or affected by other substances.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for necessities or sell personal items to fund gambling.
• Never view gambling as employment, an investment or a reliable source of income.
• Take regular breaks and keep gambling separate from other leisure activities.

If gambling is no longer enjoyable, stop and take time away. You do not need to wait until a serious problem develops before changing your habits or asking for help.

A practical way to stay in control is to decide your limits in advance. Consider both the amount you may spend and the time you may spend gambling. A limit should be realistic, affordable and based on your personal circumstances. Once a limit has been reached, stop playing rather than changing it during a session.

Money limits

Think about a daily, weekly or monthly entertainment budget, and keep gambling funds separate from money needed for everyday life. Record deposits and spending if that helps you understand your overall activity. Do not increase your budget because of a loss or because you have recently received a win. If you find it difficult to follow a budget, consider taking a break or requesting a stronger restriction on your account.

Time limits

Decide how long you intend to play and use a reminder or timer to help you finish on time. Take breaks away from the screen, eat properly and maintain your normal sleep and work routines. Long or frequent sessions can make it harder to notice how much time or money has been spent.

Personal rules

Write down your own rules and review them regularly. You might choose not to gamble after a particular time, not to gamble while drinking, or not to use gambling to change your mood. Personal rules are most effective when they are agreed before play, followed consistently and discussed with someone you trust if you are finding them difficult to maintain.

• Keep track of deposits, withdrawals, stakes and time spent playing.
• Avoid trying to win back money after a loss.
• Do not use another person's account or allow someone else to use yours.
• Turn off gambling-related notifications if they encourage you to play more often.
• Consider a complete break if limits are repeatedly exceeded.

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and different people experience it in different ways. Warning signs may involve money, time, emotions, relationships or changes in everyday behaviour. One sign does not necessarily indicate a gambling disorder, but repeated or increasing concerns are a reason to pause and seek advice.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Increasing your stakes to seek the same level of excitement.
• Chasing losses or feeling pressure to win back money immediately.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Hiding gambling, transactions or losses from family, friends or other people close to you.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using money set aside for essential expenses.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty, restless or low when you are not gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, relationships or other responsibilities.
• Trying to stop or cut back but being unable to maintain your decision.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and speak with a qualified support service. A confidential conversation can help you understand your options without judgement. You can also tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to help you stay away from gambling while you consider your next steps.

If gambling is causing immediate financial, emotional or personal danger, seek urgent assistance from an appropriate emergency or health service in your area. Gambling support is available even if you have only recently become concerned, and you do not need to wait until debts or other problems become severe.

Depending on the account features available to you, you may be able to use controls designed to help manage play. These may include deposit restrictions, spending or loss limits, session reminders, reality checks, temporary breaks or self-exclusion. The exact controls, conditions and availability can vary. Review the information shown in your account and choose the option that matches your needs.

Temporary breaks

A temporary break can help you step away from gambling for a defined period. Before requesting one, withdraw or manage any available balance in accordance with the applicable account terms, and remove easy access to gambling funds where possible. A break should be treated as a firm decision. Do not create another account or use another person's account to continue gambling during that period.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for people who want to stop gambling for a selected period or indefinitely. If you decide that self-exclusion is right for you, follow the process made available through the relevant account or support channel. During self-exclusion, do not attempt to bypass the restriction by opening a new account, changing account details or asking another person to gamble on your behalf.

Account review and safety

Account information may be reviewed to support account security, age verification, identity checks and responsible gaming processes. Keep your login details private, use your own account and tell the relevant support team if you believe someone else has accessed it. Restrictions can be requested at any time, and asking for help is a positive step rather than a failure.

If a limit or restriction does not provide enough protection, choose a longer break or self-exclusion and seek independent support. Account tools are intended to assist with control, but they cannot replace professional advice where gambling is causing harm.

Australian players can seek confidential information and counselling from qualified gambling support services operating in their state or territory. These services can help with gambling concerns, financial stress, relationships and planning a break. You may contact a service for yourself or for someone close to you, and you can ask about the support options available in your local area.

When looking for support, use an established Australian health, community or gambling-help organisation. Independent financial counselling may also be useful if gambling has affected bills, debts or other commitments. Support is available regardless of how much has been spent, how long gambling has been a concern or whether you have already tried to stop.

If you are concerned about another person

Choose a calm time to raise the subject and speak about specific behaviour rather than making accusations. Explain that you are concerned, listen without judgement and encourage the person to contact a qualified support service. You can also set boundaries around lending money, covering gambling-related losses or allowing gambling activity in your home.

1. Pause gambling and move away from the account or device.
2. Write down what has prompted your concern and what change you want to make.
3. Use available account restrictions or request a break or self-exclusion.
4. Tell a trusted person and ask them to help you follow your plan.
5. Contact an appropriate Australian gambling, health or financial support service.
6. Seek urgent assistance if there is an immediate risk to your safety or wellbeing.

Winna Casino supports informed and responsible choices. If you have questions about available account controls or need help locating the relevant process, use the support options provided on the website. No gambling activity is more important than your financial security, health, relationships or peace of mind.