Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Responsible gaming means making informed decisions about when, how often and how much you play. Before starting, consider gambling as a leisure activity with a cost, rather than as a source of income. Games of chance are unpredictable, and past results do not influence future outcomes. There is no reliable strategy that can guarantee a win.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential living costs and other financial commitments have been covered. Never use money set aside for rent, bills, food, education, medical care or other necessities. It is also important not to borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.

Players in Australia should only gamble if they meet the applicable legal age and other legal requirements in their state or territory. Gambling should take place through permitted channels and in accordance with the laws that apply to you. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, seek independent advice before playing.

Keep gambling separate from everyday life

• Decide your entertainment budget before you begin and do not increase it during a session.
• Set a time for starting and stopping, and avoid playing when tired, upset, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Take regular breaks and make time for work, study, family, friends, exercise and other interests.
• Do not gamble to recover losses, change your mood or escape personal problems.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling is becoming a concern.

Recognising the signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. A person may not notice changes in their behaviour until gambling begins to affect their finances, relationships, health, work or studies. Being aware of early warning signs can help you act before the situation becomes more serious.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally planned.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying to win back money that has already been lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account transactions from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Using savings, household funds or money intended for essential expenses.
• Losing interest in hobbies, work, study or social activities.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, stress or low mood after playing.
• Gambling for longer than planned or finding it difficult to stop.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or while completing other activities.

One warning sign does not necessarily mean that a person has a gambling problem, but it is a reason to pause and review your habits. If several signs apply to you, consider stopping play and speaking with a qualified support service. Asking for help early is a practical and responsible step, not a failure.

Ask yourself

1. Can I comfortably afford the amount I am gambling?
2. Have I ever exceeded a limit or time period I set for myself?
3. Do I gamble when I feel stressed, lonely, angry or depressed?
4. Have I tried to hide my gambling or its financial impact?
5. Would people close to me be concerned about how I gamble?
6. Can I stop without feeling anxious or immediately wanting to play again?

Tools to help you stay in control

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to maintain control. Depending on the features available through your account, you may be able to use responsible gaming tools to manage spending and access. Review the relevant account settings and help information before you play.

Set a budget and time limit

Choose a maximum amount and session length that fit within your entertainment budget. Treat the limit as a firm boundary, not as a target to reach. If your limit is reached, stop playing and do not deposit more funds to continue the same session. A written budget can help you keep gambling costs separate from other spending.

Use account limits where available

Account tools may include deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time limits, reality checks or temporary breaks. The exact tools and how they operate may depend on the service, your account and applicable requirements. Read the terms for each tool carefully before confirming a setting.

Do not treat a limit as permission to gamble more than you can afford. A limit is one part of a wider plan. Review your settings regularly, particularly after a change in income, expenses, relationships, health or other personal circumstances.

Take a break

A short break can help you reconsider your gambling and return to normal routines. During a break, avoid looking for other gambling services to replace the time or money you would otherwise spend. If you find it difficult to maintain a temporary break, a longer exclusion period or professional support may be more appropriate.

Keep records

Review your deposits, withdrawals, bets and time spent playing. Looking at your activity as a whole can provide a clearer picture than focusing on individual wins or losses. Keep gambling records alongside your household budget so that you can identify changes early.

Self-exclusion and account support

If you want to stop gambling, self-exclusion can prevent or restrict access to an account for a selected period or, where applicable, a longer period. Self-exclusion is a serious commitment. Choose the option that best matches your needs and read the applicable conditions, including how the request takes effect and what happens to access during the exclusion.

If you decide to self-exclude, do not create another account or attempt to bypass the restriction. Ask people you trust to support your decision and consider removing saved payment details, blocking gambling-related access on your devices and directing your time towards other activities. These steps can make it easier to maintain a break.

Account closure, a temporary break and self-exclusion may have different effects. If you are unsure which option is suitable, contact the available account support channel before making a request. Support staff may explain the process, but they cannot replace independent financial, medical or counselling advice.

Protect your account

• Use your own account and never allow another person to gamble through it.
• Keep login details private and use appropriate security settings.
• Do not open additional accounts to avoid a limit, break or exclusion.
• Monitor account activity and payment transactions for anything you do not recognise.
• Tell account support if you believe your account has been accessed by someone else.
• Keep children and other unauthorised people away from gambling accounts and devices.

If you are worried about someone else’s gambling, speak to them calmly and focus on the effect of the behaviour rather than blame. You can also seek support for yourself. Gambling harm can affect partners, relatives, friends and household finances, so your wellbeing matters as well.

Getting help in Australia

You do not need to wait until gambling causes a major problem before asking for help. Australian players can seek confidential information, counselling and practical guidance through Gambling Help Online, state and territory gambling support services, qualified counsellors, financial counsellors and mental health professionals. These services can help you understand your options and develop a plan that suits your circumstances.

If gambling is affecting your finances, consider speaking with a financial counsellor about budgeting, debts and protecting essential money. If gambling is affecting your mood, relationships or sense of safety, a health professional or crisis support service may be able to help. If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in Australia.

A simple plan for stopping or reducing gambling

1. Stop playing and avoid making further deposits while you consider your next step.
2. Review your recent gambling activity and identify the situations that trigger the urge to play.
3. Set an immediate account limit, break or self-exclusion using the available account options.
4. Tell a trusted person what you are doing and ask them to check in with you.
5. Remove access to spare gambling funds and update your personal budget.
6. Contact an Australian gambling support service or qualified professional for confidential guidance.
7. If you return to gambling, review your plan first and stop again if you cannot stay within it.

Sydspin Casino encourages players to make responsible choices and to use available safeguards whenever they are needed. No gambling activity should compromise your financial security, relationships, health or daily responsibilities. If gambling no longer feels like entertainment, the safest choice is to stop and seek support.