Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support across Australia. Call 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online.
1. Responsible entertainment
Responsible entertainment is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to responsible entertainment begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
2. Adults aged 18 and over
Adults aged 18 and over is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to adults aged 18 and over begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
3. How gambling outcomes work
How gambling outcomes work is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to how gambling outcomes work begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
4. The role of chance
The role of chance is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to the role of chance begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
5. Financial risk
Financial risk is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to financial risk begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
6. No guaranteed outcomes
No guaranteed outcomes is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to no guaranteed outcomes begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
7. Personal spending limits
Personal spending limits is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to personal spending limits begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
8. Personal time limits
Personal time limits is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to personal time limits begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
9. Taking breaks
Taking breaks is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to taking breaks begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
10. Avoiding borrowed money
Avoiding borrowed money is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to avoiding borrowed money begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
11. Never chasing losses
Never chasing losses is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to never chasing losses begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
12. Avoiding gambling while distressed
Avoiding gambling while distressed is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to avoiding gambling while distressed begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
13. Avoiding gambling while intoxicated
Avoiding gambling while intoxicated is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to avoiding gambling while intoxicated begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
14. Recognising changes in behaviour
Recognising changes in behaviour is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to recognising changes in behaviour begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
15. Common warning signs
Common warning signs is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to common warning signs begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
16. Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to self-exclusion begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
17. Venue-based support
Venue-based support is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to venue-based support begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
18. Digital blocking tools
Digital blocking tools is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to digital blocking tools begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
19. Financial wellbeing
Financial wellbeing is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to financial wellbeing begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
20. Support for family members
Support for family members is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to support for family members begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
21. Protecting minors
Protecting minors is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to protecting minors begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
22. Speaking to a professional
Speaking to a professional is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to speaking to a professional begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
23. Australian support resources
Australian support resources is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A practical approach to australian support resources begins before participation. Decide what amount and length of time are acceptable, keep essential funds separate and stop when either limit is reached. Changes in mood, secrecy, borrowing, repeated attempts to recover losses or conflict about money are reasons to pause and seek support rather than continue.
24. Gambling Help Online
Gambling Help Online is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
Gambling Help Online provides free, confidential support across Australia, including online chat and information for people affected by their own gambling or someone else’s. The national number is 1800 858 858. Visit https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ for current service options and availability.
25. State and territory support services
State and territory support services is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
State and territory programmes can provide counselling, financial guidance and local referrals. Examples include GambleAware in New South Wales and Gambler’s Help in Victoria. Gambling Help Online can also direct callers to the appropriate service in their location.
26. Emergency financial assistance
Emergency financial assistance is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
A gambling support service can help identify financial counselling, debt advice and emergency relief options. If immediate safety is at risk, contact emergency services on 000. Gambling should never be used in an attempt to solve debt or create emergency income.
27. Contact information
Contact information is part of keeping casino activity within a broader leisure context. Gambling should never be treated as work, an investment, a source of income or a reliable way to pay expenses. The cost is uncertain because outcomes are based on chance, and any money used should be considered part of a discretionary entertainment budget that may be lost.
For guide-related questions, email [email protected]. For gambling support, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or use its official online services. The guide is not a counselling, medical, legal or financial service.