Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk, and outcomes are determined by chance. No strategy, system or pattern can guarantee a win. Previous results do not influence future results, and a losing run does not mean that a win is due. Treat every wager as an entertainment expense and never view gambling as a reliable source of income.

Before opening a game or placing a wager, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Make those decisions when you are calm and able to think clearly. Once you reach your planned limit, stop playing, even if you feel that you could recover losses or improve your result by continuing.

• Only gamble with money set aside for entertainment after essential expenses have been paid.
• Set a spending limit before you start and avoid increasing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from rent, bills, savings, credit repayments and other important financial commitments.
• Do not chase losses by continuing to gamble or increasing your wagers.
• Never borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to fund gambling.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

A win does not remove the risks of gambling. Consider withdrawing or setting aside winnings rather than immediately returning them to play. Remember that the aim is controlled entertainment, not a guaranteed financial return.

Recognising signs of harm

Gambling can become difficult to control for some people. It may help to pause and review your behaviour if gambling is taking more time, money or attention than you intended. Early action can reduce the risk of financial, emotional and relationship harm.

You may need to take a break if you:

• Think about gambling frequently or feel restless when you cannot play.
• Spend more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Increase your bets to achieve the same excitement.
• Try to win back money that you have lost.
• Hide your gambling activity, deposits or losses from family and friends.
• Feel worried, guilty, anxious or upset after gambling.
• Neglect work, study, relationships, sleep or other responsibilities.
• Use gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Borrow money or experience financial pressure because of gambling.
• Attempt to stop or reduce gambling but find that you cannot do so.

These signs do not mean that you are alone or that change is impossible. Consider stopping play and seeking support as soon as you notice concerns. Speaking openly with someone you trust can be a useful first step.

If gambling is affecting your safety, mental health, finances or relationships, seek professional assistance. Players in Australia can contact an appropriate gambling support service, health professional or financial counsellor. In an emergency or if you are at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services.

Tools to help you stay in control

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to keep control. Casino Mate may provide account features or support options that can assist with responsible play. Availability and operation can vary, so review the relevant account settings and request information from support where required.

• Deposit limits can help restrict the amount added to your account over a selected period.
• Loss or wagering limits can help you define the amount you are prepared to risk.
• Session or time reminders can prompt you to review how long you have been playing.
• Reality checks can provide regular reminders during a session.
• Temporary breaks can prevent access for a chosen period while you step away from gambling.
• Self-exclusion can restrict or close access for a longer period when you need stronger support.
• Account history and activity statements can help you review deposits, withdrawals, wagers and results.

Choose limits that reflect your personal budget, rather than an amount suggested by your recent results. A limit should not be treated as a target. If you reach it, stop gambling until the relevant period has ended. Do not try to bypass a control by opening another account or using another person’s account.

If you want to reduce or stop gambling, contact Casino Mate through the available support channel and clearly explain what you need. You can ask about account restrictions, a temporary break or self-exclusion. Requests may be subject to identity and account checks, and any applicable process will be explained to you.

Account controls are intended to support your decisions, but they cannot replace personal awareness or professional help. Keep your login details private, use only your own account and do not allow another person to gamble through your account.

Protecting young people and vulnerable people

Gambling is for adults only. Casino Mate does not support gambling by anyone who is under the applicable legal age. Do not share your account, payment details or login information with a child or another person. If you believe that someone underage has accessed an account or gambling service, stop activity and contact support promptly.

Use practical steps to reduce the chance of unauthorised access. Keep passwords private, enable available device security, log out when you finish and avoid saving payment details on devices used by other people. Parents and carers may also wish to use device-level parental controls and discuss the risks of online gambling with young people.

If gambling is taking place on behalf of another person, or if you are being pressured to gamble, stop and seek assistance. Accounts should be used only by the verified account holder and for that person’s own lawful activity.

Take action when you need it

Responsible gambling is an ongoing process. Review your limits regularly, monitor your spending and be honest with yourself about how gambling affects your life. If your behaviour is becoming difficult to manage, take a break and seek independent support rather than waiting for the problem to become more serious.

For help with gambling concerns, consider contacting a recognised Australian gambling support service, a qualified counsellor, your doctor or a financial counsellor. Family members and friends can also seek advice if someone else’s gambling is affecting them. Casino Mate can provide information about available account controls, but independent support may be better placed to help with personal, financial or emotional concerns.

By using an online gambling service, you should understand that gambling carries financial and personal risks. Please read the applicable terms and account information, use the controls available to you and make decisions that protect your wellbeing.