Responsible Gaming

A plan can make it easier to keep gambling within safe boundaries. Decide in advance how much time and money you are comfortable using. Your gambling budget should come only from disposable funds, after rent or mortgage payments, bills, food, transport, savings and other essential commitments have been considered. Never rely on a possible win to pay for everyday needs.

A spending limit is most useful when it is realistic and respected. Consider setting a daily, weekly or monthly amount, depending on how often you gamble. Once the limit has been reached, stop for the relevant period. Do not change the limit during a session because you are losing, winning or feeling frustrated. A time limit can be just as important as a money limit, particularly when play is available at any time.

Practical ways to stay in control

1. Choose your maximum spending amount before opening a game or placing a bet.
2. Record deposits, wagers and losses so you have a clear view of your actual activity.
3. Use a timer or another reminder to monitor how long you have been playing.
4. Take a break between sessions and avoid returning immediately after a loss.
5. Keep gambling funds separate from money needed for household expenses or other commitments.
6. Review your activity regularly and reduce or stop gambling if the cost is higher than expected.
7. Tell someone you trust about your limits if accountability would make them easier to follow.

Winning can also make it harder to recognise when a session should end. A win is not a reason to raise your budget or assume another win is likely. Consider withdrawing or setting aside money you do not intend to gamble, and remember that a positive result in one session does not predict the next outcome.

Available account tools may include deposit, loss, wagering, time or session controls, depending on the service and applicable requirements. Read the information provided with each tool carefully before using it. A limit should be treated as a safety measure, not as a target. If you find that you are repeatedly changing, cancelling or avoiding your limits, this may be a sign that additional support is needed.

Taking a break can be a useful first step, whether you want to pause for a short period or stop gambling altogether. Depending on the options available, you may be able to request a temporary account break, apply spending or time restrictions, or ask for self-exclusion. Self-exclusion is intended for players who want to prevent or restrict their access for a chosen period. It should be considered carefully because it is a protective measure, not a method for managing a gambling budget.

Before applying a restriction or self-exclusion request, read the relevant terms and instructions. Check whether the request applies to the account, particular products or other services, and understand when it begins and how long it remains active. Do not try to open another account or use another person’s account to get around a restriction. Account access and responsible gambling controls may be subject to verification, applicable law and the procedures of the service.

Protecting your account and your choices

• Keep your login information private and do not allow another person to gamble through your account.
• Do not gamble on behalf of someone else or ask another person to place bets for you.
• Review account activity and transaction information regularly.
• Keep devices, payment methods and passwords secure.
• Use the responsible gambling settings available to you and check that they reflect your current needs.
• If you are under financial or emotional pressure, pause gambling rather than increasing your activity.

Support is available from gambling counsellors, health professionals, financial counsellors and community services across Australia. You do not need to wait until gambling has caused serious harm before asking for help. Support may include confidential counselling, assistance with budgeting, strategies for managing urges, help with relationships and guidance about self-exclusion or other practical steps.

If you are supporting someone else, choose a calm time to talk and focus on the effects of gambling rather than blame. Encourage the person to speak with a qualified support service, while also protecting shared finances and your own wellbeing. You cannot control another person’s gambling, but you can set clear boundaries about money, communication and behaviour.

Golden Casino may provide general safer gambling information and account-based controls, but these tools cannot remove every risk or replace professional support. If gambling is affecting your health, finances, relationships or safety, stop gambling and seek independent assistance. Responsible choices start with recognising the risks, setting clear boundaries and taking action early.