Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves financial risk. There is no guaranteed way to win, and past results do not predict future outcomes. Games and wagers are generally based on chance, probability or outcomes that cannot be controlled by a player. A result that has not occurred for some time is not necessarily more likely to occur next, and a series of wins does not make a future win more certain.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably spend. Only use money that is available for entertainment after essential costs have been paid. Do not use rent, mortgage, food, utility, medical or other necessary funds for gambling. Avoid using credit, loans or money borrowed from friends and family to continue playing.

A personal budget can help you make decisions before emotions influence your choices. Set a spending amount for a day, week or month, and regard that amount as the maximum you are prepared to lose. It can also help to decide in advance when you will stop playing. Do not increase your budget simply because you have lost money or because you believe a win is due.

• Be aged 18 or over and comply with the laws that apply in your Australian state or territory.
• Gamble only when you are calm, alert and able to make clear decisions.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending and financial commitments.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing for longer than planned.
• Never chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing after your budget has been used.
• Do not gamble when affected by alcohol, drugs, strong emotions, stress or lack of sleep.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are independent and cannot be controlled through a system or strategy.

You should not view gambling as an investment, income source or solution to debt. If you are concerned about your financial position, consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor rather than trying to recover money through further gambling.

Tools to help you stay in control

Account controls can make it easier to follow the limits you set for yourself. Depending on the services and features available to your account, you may be able to apply limits to deposits, wagering or time spent online. Limits should be set before you begin gambling and should reflect what you can genuinely afford.

Set a budget and deposit limit

A deposit limit can restrict the amount added to your account over a selected period. It is not a guarantee that you will win or that you will stop spending across every gambling service you use. For that reason, consider your gambling across all websites, venues and products when setting a personal budget. If a limit is difficult to set or change, the applicable account terms and safer gambling information will explain the process.

Use time reminders and breaks

Online sessions can feel shorter than they are. A reminder or planned break can help you check how long you have been playing, how much you have spent and whether you still want to continue. Move away from the device during breaks and do something unrelated to gambling. If you regularly lose track of time, consider using stronger restrictions or taking a longer break.

Consider a temporary break

A temporary account break can provide time away from gambling without requiring you to make decisions during a difficult moment. Use a break if gambling is interfering with sleep, work, study, relationships or daily responsibilities. During a break, avoid opening another account or using another service to continue gambling.

Request self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger option for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period or do not feel able to control their gambling. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not attempt to bypass the restriction. You may also wish to ask other gambling providers you use about their self-exclusion processes, because a restriction on one account may not apply elsewhere.

Account controls are useful safeguards, but they cannot replace personal support or professional advice. If you have concerns about gambling, use the strongest available restriction and seek help as soon as possible.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income or experience. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the impact until gambling has affected money, health or relationships. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

Consider taking a break and seeking support if any of the following statements apply to you:

• You spend more time or money gambling than you planned.
• You keep thinking about gambling when you are working, studying or spending time with others.
• You feel restless, irritable or uncomfortable when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• You gamble to escape stress, sadness, anxiety, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• You chase losses or believe that one large win will solve your financial problems.
• You hide gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from people close to you.
• You borrow money, sell possessions or miss bills because of gambling.
• Gambling is affecting your sleep, health, work, studies or relationships.
• You have tried to stop or cut back but have not been able to do so.
• You feel regret, shame or distress after gambling, but continue to play.

If you recognise these signs, stop gambling and make access more difficult. Sign out, remove saved payment methods where possible, avoid gambling advertising and ask someone you trust to support you. Do not try to win back losses. Losses are not a debt that must be recovered through another wager.

If someone close to you is affected

Problem gambling can affect partners, family members, friends and colleagues. Speak calmly and focus on the behaviour and its impact rather than blame. Encourage the person to use account restrictions and obtain professional support. Protect shared finances where appropriate, and do not provide money to fund further gambling or repay gambling losses without independent advice. You can seek support for yourself even if the person who gambles is not ready to ask for help.

Getting help and taking further action

If gambling is causing distress, financial difficulty or conflict, support is available in Australia. You can speak with a qualified health professional, financial counsellor, gambling counsellor or recognised gambling support service in your state or territory. Services such as Gambling Help Online may provide information, counselling and guidance about next steps. Choose a service that is appropriate for your location and circumstances.

When contacting a support service, be open about how often you gamble, the amount you spend, any debts or borrowing, and the effect gambling has on your life. A counsellor can help you make a safety plan, review financial pressures, discuss relationships and identify practical ways to avoid gambling. Support is confidential according to the service's own terms and applicable law.

If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or another person, or you cannot keep yourself safe, contact emergency services or attend the nearest emergency department. Do not remain alone if you are in immediate danger. Urgent mental health support should take priority over gambling concerns.

Account closure and support requests

You can ask for information about available limits, cooling-off options, temporary breaks, self-exclusion or account closure through the account support process. The applicable terms may explain how requests are made, when restrictions begin and whether a restriction can be changed. Do not continue depositing or gambling while waiting for a restriction to be applied.

Bwin Casino may take steps to promote responsible gambling, including account checks, safer gambling communications and restrictions where required by applicable rules or identified risk indicators. These measures are intended to support safer use, but you remain responsible for making informed choices and complying with the conditions that apply to your account.

Keeping gambling safer over time

Review your gambling habits regularly, even when there have been no obvious problems. Check your deposits, withdrawals, time spent and the reasons you play. Update your personal budget when your financial circumstances change, and keep trusted people aware of your plans if that helps you stay accountable. If gambling stops feeling like entertainment, stop and seek advice.

This responsible gaming information is general guidance and does not replace professional, financial or legal advice. Gambling laws and available support can differ across Australia. Always check the requirements that apply in your state or territory and read the relevant account terms before using any gambling service.