Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are based on chance or outcomes that cannot be predicted with certainty. Previous results do not change the likelihood of future results, and a losing run does not mean that a win is due. Avoid systems, tips or claims that suggest losses can always be recovered or that a particular strategy guarantees success.

Before opening a game or placing a bet, decide how much money and time you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense rather than an investment. Never use money needed for rent, bills, food, education, debt repayments or other essential costs. It is also important not to borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.

• Only gamble when you are of the legal age and permitted to do so under applicable Australian law.
• Set a spending and time budget before you start playing, and keep to it.
• Take regular breaks and avoid long, uninterrupted sessions.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to recover losses.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and essential financial commitments.
• Remember that a win is not guaranteed and that losses are part of the risk of gambling.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stake or playing for longer than planned.

If gambling stops feeling enjoyable or begins to affect your finances, relationships, work, study or wellbeing, stop playing and seek support. Taking action early can make it easier to regain control.

Set limits and use account controls

Planning your gambling in advance can help you stay within safe boundaries. Consider setting a maximum amount for a session, day, week or month, as well as a maximum playing time. Make your limits realistic and based on your personal circumstances. A limit should never be treated as a target or an amount that you must spend.

Where account tools are available, use them to support your plan. Depending on the service and your location, controls may include deposit limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs, cooling-off periods, account restrictions or self-exclusion. Read the terms of each control carefully before confirming it, including how long it applies and whether it can be changed.

1. Decide on your budget before depositing or starting a session.
2. Choose limits that reflect money you can genuinely afford to lose.
3. Use reminders or breaks to check how long you have been playing.
4. Stop when your limit is reached, even if you are winning or trying to recover a loss.
5. Review your activity regularly and reduce your limits if gambling is taking more time or money than planned.
6. Consider a temporary break or self-exclusion if you are finding it difficult to stop.

A limit is most useful when it is set before gambling begins. Do not remove or increase a limit during a moment of pressure, frustration or excitement. If you are concerned that you may change your mind, ask a trusted person to support your plan and consider using a longer break or self-exclusion option.

If you want to take a break from your account, use the responsible gambling or account support options shown on the website. Follow the instructions provided and keep a record of the date your break begins and any conditions that apply. Do not create another account or use another person's account to avoid a restriction.

Recognise the signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and a person may not notice the change at first. It can affect a person's money, emotions, health, relationships and responsibilities. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Concern about your gambling is itself a good reason to pause and speak with someone.

Possible warning signs include:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling more often or increasing stakes.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit, missing bills or selling belongings because of gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop or cut back.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or withdrawing from normal activities.
• Feeling regret, shame or hopelessness after gambling, but continuing to play.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop gambling and consider using an account break or self-exclusion option. Review your finances, remove saved payment methods where appropriate and tell someone you trust what is happening. A support service can help you develop a practical plan without judgement.

If you are supporting someone else, approach the conversation calmly and privately. Focus on what you have observed rather than making accusations. Offer to help them find professional support, but remember that you are not responsible for controlling another adult's gambling. Support is available for family members and friends as well as people who gamble.

Take a break or self-exclude

A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling, while self-exclusion is a stronger step for people who need help preventing access for a chosen period or longer. If you decide to self-exclude, select the longest period you believe will support your wellbeing and follow all instructions carefully.

During a break or self-exclusion period, do not attempt to access gambling services through another account, another person's details or a different device. Do not ask someone else to place bets or manage an account for you. These actions can undermine your plan and may breach account rules.

• Contact the site's support team through the official contact or help options displayed on the website.
• Explain clearly whether you want a short break, a cooling-off period, account restrictions or self-exclusion.
• Provide only the information needed to process your request and keep any confirmation you receive.
• Remove gambling applications, bookmarks and notifications from devices if they make it harder to take a break.
• Tell a trusted person about your decision so they can provide encouragement and accountability.
• Seek independent financial or counselling support if gambling has caused debt, conflict or emotional distress.

Account restrictions are intended to support your decision, but they are not a substitute for professional help. If you are struggling to stop gambling, contact a qualified gambling support service in Australia. Gambling Help Online and state and territory support services provide information, counselling and guidance for people experiencing gambling harm, as well as for concerned family members and friends.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide or immediate danger, seek urgent help through emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia. Your safety comes first. Do not remain alone with an immediate risk.

Protect yourself and others

Responsible gaming also includes protecting your account, personal information and access to gambling services. Keep account credentials private and use security measures that reduce the risk of someone else accessing your account. Never allow another person to gamble through your account, and do not use another person's account.

• Use a strong, unique password and do not share it with anyone.
• Log out after using a shared or public device.
• Keep your contact and identity information accurate where required.
• Monitor deposits, withdrawals and account activity for anything unexpected.
• Ask for help if you do not understand a transaction, account setting or gambling term.
• Keep children and other underage people away from gambling websites and devices.
• Use device controls, payment restrictions or website filters if they help you maintain a break.
• Do not gamble on behalf of another person or allow another person to control your account.

Adults should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling services. Use separate passwords, device security and parental controls where appropriate. Gambling is not suitable for children or young people, and an adult should not provide account access, payment details or assistance that enables underage gambling.

S99 Casino encourages players to make informed choices and to seek assistance whenever gambling is no longer within their control. The most important step is to stop, speak openly about the concern and access appropriate support. Responsible gambling is an ongoing process, and changing your habits early can help protect your financial and personal wellbeing.