Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are based on chance or other factors that cannot be controlled by a player. A winning result does not mean that another win is due, and a losing result does not make a win more likely. Past results cannot predict future results.

Before you start, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment. Only gamble with money that is available after essential expenses such as housing, food, bills, education and other financial commitments have been covered. Never use borrowed money, credit intended for essential expenses or money needed by your family.

• Set a spending limit and a time limit before you play.
• Keep a record of your deposits, bets, wins and losses.
• Take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape a problem.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Remember that it is acceptable to stop while you are ahead or to stop after a loss.
• Do not rely on gambling as a source of income.

A budget can help you keep gambling separate from everyday spending. Consider setting a weekly or monthly entertainment amount and stopping when it has been used. Your budget should remain affordable even if you do not receive any winnings.

Casino Mate may provide account and play-management features designed to support responsible gambling. Depending on what is available on your account, these may include deposit limits, loss limits, wagering or spending limits, session reminders, reality checks, cooling-off periods and account closure or self-exclusion options. Review the available settings before you play and choose limits that reflect your personal circumstances.

A limit is most useful when it is set before gambling begins. Choose an amount and period that you can comfortably afford, and do not set a limit based on what you hope to win. If you reach a limit, stop playing rather than attempting to change it immediately. Some changes may take effect straight away, while increases or other changes may be subject to a delay or additional safeguards.

Taking a break or closing your account

If gambling is becoming difficult to control, use an available cooling-off period or request account closure. Self-exclusion is a stronger step that prevents or restricts access for a selected period or until a required process has been completed. Choose the longest period that feels appropriate if you are concerned about your gambling.

When you request a break, closure or self-exclusion, do not open another account or use another person’s account to continue gambling. Ask people you trust to support your decision, and consider using device controls or banking tools that can reduce access to gambling transactions. If you have difficulty using an account feature, seek assistance through the available support channel rather than continuing to play.

Protecting your account

Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account. Account sharing can undermine your limits and may breach applicable terms. Use strong, unique passwords and keep your personal and payment information secure. If you believe someone else has accessed your account, stop using it and report the concern through the available account support process.

Gambling harm can affect a person’s finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the impact at first. You do not need to wait until a serious problem occurs before taking a break or asking for help.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money you have lost.
• Increasing your bets to get the same level of excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills to continue gambling.
• Gambling during work, study or important family activities.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, stressed or low after gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop and consider using a limit, cooling-off period or self-exclusion option. Speak openly with someone you trust and obtain independent support. Trying to recover losses through further gambling can make financial and emotional problems worse. The safest response to significant losses is to stop gambling and seek help, not to increase the amount or frequency of play.

Friends and family can also be affected by another person’s gambling. If you are concerned about someone, choose a calm time to discuss what you have noticed, use non-judgemental language and encourage them to seek professional assistance. Protect your own finances and wellbeing, and do not provide money to cover gambling losses unless you have received appropriate independent advice.

Free and confidential gambling support is available in Australia. Gambling Help Online provides information, counselling and support for people affected by gambling, including family members and friends. You can also contact a state or territory gambling support service, a qualified counsellor, a psychologist, a financial counsellor or your general practitioner. Search for current official services in your state or territory and choose the support option that suits you.

If gambling is affecting your finances, consider speaking with a financial counsellor before taking out a loan, using credit or making arrangements to repay gambling-related debt. If gambling is affecting your mental health or you feel unsafe, seek urgent assistance from emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia. If you are in immediate danger, call the appropriate emergency service.

Age and account responsibilities

Gambling is only for adults who meet the applicable legal age and identity requirements. Casino Mate must not be used by anyone under the legal gambling age. Parents and guardians should take steps to prevent children from accessing gambling accounts, devices and payment methods, including using parental controls and keeping passwords confidential.

Only create and use an account in your own name and provide accurate information when required. Do not gamble on behalf of another person, allow another person to gamble through your account or attempt to avoid responsible-gambling controls. These safeguards are intended to help protect players and support a safer gambling environment.

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility. Casino Mate provides information and available tools to support safer play, but no tool can replace personal judgement or professional advice. Review your gambling regularly, act early if concerns arise and remember that choosing not to gamble is always a valid option.