Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Responsible gaming means making conscious decisions about when, how often and how much you gamble. Before you play, decide what you can comfortably afford to lose and treat that amount as an entertainment expense. Do not use money needed for rent, bills, food, transport, savings or other important commitments.

Gambling outcomes are based on chance. Previous wins or losses do not change the odds of a future result, and no strategy can guarantee a win. A win should not be treated as proof that you have found a reliable way to make money. Similarly, a loss is not a reason to keep playing in an attempt to recover it.

Take regular breaks and keep gambling separate from other activities. Avoid playing when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape personal problems. These situations can make it harder to stay within the limits you set.

Useful habits

• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not increase it during a session.
• Set a time limit and stop when that time has passed.
• Keep track of deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses rather than relying on memory.
• Use only your own account and payment methods.
• Do not borrow money, use credit for gambling or sell possessions to continue playing.
• Never chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Take a break if gambling stops being fun or begins to affect your mood.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, experience or previous gambling history. It may develop gradually, and some people do not recognise the signs until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, work or wellbeing. Noticing a concern early makes it easier to take practical steps.

Consider whether any of the following statements apply to you. You may be gambling more often or for longer than planned, thinking about gambling throughout the day, or feeling restless when you try to stop. You may be increasing the amount you stake to achieve the same excitement, or returning to gamble after deciding to take a break.

Other warning signs can include hiding or minimising your gambling, arguing with family or friends about it, missing work or other responsibilities, using money set aside for essentials, borrowing to gamble, or feeling anxious, guilty, low or irritable after playing. Trying to win back losses is another common sign that gambling may no longer be under control.

Ask yourself

• Can I stop playing when I intend to stop?
• Am I spending more time or money gambling than I planned?
• Do I feel uncomfortable discussing my gambling with people close to me?
• Have I missed a payment, commitment or opportunity because of gambling?
• Do I gamble to deal with stress, loneliness, sadness or financial concerns?
• Have I tried to reduce or stop gambling without success?

A single yes does not provide a diagnosis, but it is a useful reason to pause and review your gambling. If several statements feel familiar, stop gambling and consider speaking with a qualified support service or health professional.

Tools to help you stay in control

Planning ahead is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk. Use the responsible gaming controls available through your account, where offered, and choose settings that reflect what you can genuinely afford. Limits are most effective when they are set before you start playing and are not changed in response to a win, loss or strong emotion.

Consider setting

• Deposit limits to manage the amount added to your account over a selected period.
• Wagering or loss limits to help control the amount used for play.
• Session or time reminders to show how long you have been active.
• A temporary break if you want time away without making a permanent decision.
• Account closure or self-exclusion if you need to stop gambling for a longer period.

If you are unsure which control is appropriate, choose the more restrictive option and take time away from gambling. Depending on the control, a requested reduction may apply immediately or remain in place for a set period. Changes, cooling-off periods and other conditions may apply, so review the information shown before confirming a setting.

If you cannot access a suitable control, or if you want your account closed, use the available account or support process and clearly state what you need. Do not open another account to avoid a limit, break or exclusion. If you share a device or payment method, take additional steps to prevent accidental or unauthorised access.

Protect your finances and personal space

• Keep gambling funds separate from household or essential money.
• Review account activity and payment records regularly.
• Avoid saving payment details if doing so makes impulsive deposits easier.
• Use device, banking or budgeting controls that support your chosen limits.
• Tell someone you trust if you are finding it difficult to stick to your plan.

Getting help and taking a break

You do not need to wait for a serious financial or personal impact before asking for help. Confidential support is available in Australia through Gambling Help Online, state and territory gambling support services, community health providers and qualified counsellors. These services can help you understand your gambling, make a plan, manage financial stress and discuss the effect gambling may be having on people close to you.

You can also speak with your general practitioner or another trusted health professional. They can help assess your wellbeing and refer you to appropriate counselling or other services. If gambling has contributed to debt, consider obtaining independent financial counselling rather than borrowing more money or trying to recover losses through further play.

If someone close to you is affected

Family members, partners and friends can also seek support. Set clear boundaries around money, avoid covering gambling losses where possible, and do not feel responsible for controlling another adult's decisions. A support service can help you discuss safety, finances and communication in a practical way.

If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed

Gambling problems can contribute to severe stress, hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm. If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in Australia or attend the nearest emergency department. For urgent emotional support, use an appropriate crisis service. Do not remain alone with an immediate safety concern.

Spinago Casino is intended for adults who are legally permitted to gamble in their location. Gambling availability and requirements can vary under Australian and other applicable laws. You are responsible for checking that online gambling is lawful where you are and for complying with any age, identity and account requirements. Responsible gaming information does not replace professional advice, but taking a pause and seeking help early can make a meaningful difference.