Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk. There is no guaranteed outcome, and previous results do not predict what may happen next. A win does not make a future win more likely, while a loss does not mean that a win is due. Games are designed to produce independent results, so strategies, patterns or systems cannot remove the risk of losing money.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense rather than an investment. Only gamble with money that is available after essential costs such as rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, education and other financial commitments have been covered. Never use borrowed money, credit intended for other purposes or money needed by family members.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before starting and avoid increasing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals and gambling time so your activity is clear.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, angry or affected by alcohol or other drugs.
• Do not chase losses by continuing to play or increasing stakes after losing.
• Do not rely on gambling to pay bills, solve debt or improve your financial situation.
• Keep gambling separate from other leisure activities and maintain interests outside gambling.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling is becoming difficult to manage.

You should also consider whether gambling is appropriate for you before opening or using an account. If you are under the legal age, are subject to a gambling restriction, or gambling is causing harm, do not play. Rules can differ depending on where you live, so check the laws and requirements that apply to your location in Australia.

Use account controls

Account controls can help you stay within a plan, but they do not guarantee that gambling will be harmless. Choose controls before you play where possible, and review them regularly. Available features may depend on the account, product, location and applicable requirements. The relevant settings and terms shown in your account should be read carefully before you confirm a change.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit limit can restrict the amount added to an account over a selected period. A spending or loss limit, where available, may provide another way to manage play. These tools should be based on your personal budget, not on how much you hope to win. Set a limit that you can afford to lose and do not treat a limit as permission to spend the full amount.

Time limits and reminders

Time reminders can help you notice how long you have been playing. They are most useful when combined with a firm plan to stop and take a break. If you find yourself ignoring reminders, losing track of time or playing for longer than intended, consider taking a longer break or stopping completely.

Breaks and self-exclusion

A temporary break can prevent access to gambling for a period you select, where that feature is available. Self-exclusion is a stronger step for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period or do not feel able to control their play. Read the conditions before selecting a break or self-exclusion option, including how it applies to your account and whether it can be changed once activated.

• Use a temporary break if you need time away to reset your routine or consider your gambling.
• Use self-exclusion if you want to prevent yourself from accessing gambling services.
• Do not create another account or use another person’s account to get around a restriction.
• Ask customer support about the responsible gaming options available through your account if you cannot find a suitable control.
• Consider blocking gambling applications or websites on your devices as an additional personal measure.
• Remove saved payment details and reduce access to funds if this makes it easier to follow your plan.

If you request account closure, a break or self-exclusion, the request may be handled under the applicable account rules and legal requirements. Any outstanding balance, identity checks or other account matters may need to be dealt with according to those rules. Do not assume that closing one account prevents access to every gambling service.

Recognise when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It is not defined only by the amount of money lost. Someone may experience harm even when the amounts appear small, particularly if gambling takes time away from daily responsibilities or causes ongoing worry. Concern can also exist when a person is winning but feels unable to stop.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to cut back or stop but returning to gambling repeatedly.
• Chasing losses or believing that one more session will fix a financial problem.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments to continue gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from others.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling during work, study, family time or other important activities.
• Neglecting sleep, health, relationships, employment or household responsibilities.
• Gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilt, shame, regret or loss of control after playing.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues because of gambling.
• Using alcohol or other drugs while gambling or to cope with gambling-related feelings.

One or more of these signs is a reason to pause and review your gambling. You do not need to wait for a crisis before seeking help. Stop gambling, use the strongest available account restriction and speak with someone you trust. A qualified support service can help you understand what is happening and discuss practical next steps without judgement.

A simple self-check

Ask yourself whether gambling is taking more money or time than intended, whether you are hiding it, and whether you feel unable to stop. Consider what would happen if you stopped for a meaningful period. If that idea causes distress or seems impossible, treat it as a serious warning sign. Honest answers are more useful than trying to justify a particular session or recover a previous loss.

Support is available

If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, reaching out is a positive step. You can speak with a qualified gambling counsellor, mental health professional, financial counsellor, doctor or another trusted support person. Australian support services can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance. Choose a service that operates in your state or territory and is suitable for your circumstances.

You may want help with setting boundaries, managing urges, dealing with debt, rebuilding trust or understanding the effect of gambling on your family. Support can be useful even if you are not sure that your gambling meets a particular definition of harm. A counsellor can help you decide whether stopping, taking a break or making a structured change is most appropriate.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling for the moment and move away from the device or website.
2. Activate a break, self-exclusion or other restriction available through your account.
3. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
4. Review your bank accounts, bills and upcoming commitments without trying to hide losses.
5. Contact an Australian gambling support or financial counselling service through an official source.
6. Remove gambling access from your routine, including saved payment methods, notifications and promotional communications where possible.
7. Seek urgent assistance through local emergency or crisis services if you or another person may be at immediate risk of harm.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, hopelessness or immediate danger, do not remain alone. Contact emergency assistance or a crisis support service in your area and tell a trusted person straight away. Gambling losses can feel overwhelming, but financial and emotional support is available.

Protect yourself and others

Only people who meet the legal age requirement and other eligibility requirements may use gambling services. Parents, guardians and account holders should take reasonable steps to prevent children and other unauthorised people from accessing an account. Keep login details private, use device security settings and do not allow another person to gamble through your account.

Your account should be used only by you. Sharing access can undermine responsible gaming controls, create security risks and make it harder to identify who is responsible for activity. Report suspected unauthorised access through the available account support channel and change your password if you believe your details may have been exposed.

Marketing and personal responsibility

Promotions, messages and reminders can encourage further gambling. Consider turning off communications that you do not want to receive, and do not view marketing as a reason to spend beyond your budget. A bonus, offer or other incentive does not change the odds of a game and should never be used to justify chasing losses.

Responsible gaming tools are designed to support your decisions, but you remain responsible for choosing whether to gamble and for complying with the laws that apply to you. Stake Casino may apply account, verification, restriction and safer gambling processes in line with its terms and applicable requirements. If you have concerns about your gambling, act early rather than waiting for account activity or financial harm to increase.

This page provides general information and is not financial, legal or medical advice. Gambling may not be suitable for everyone. If you are unsure whether online gambling is lawful in your location, or whether it is suitable for you, obtain independent advice before using a gambling service.