Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk, and outcomes are determined by chance. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can predict a winning result. Previous wins or losses do not change the odds of a future game. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose, after essential living costs and other financial commitments have been covered.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense rather than an investment. Do not gamble with money intended for rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education or other necessities. It is also important not to borrow money, use someone else’s funds or sell personal belongings to continue gambling.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a personal spending limit before starting a session and keep to it.
• Decide how long you will play and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and review your account activity regularly.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, angry or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Do not gamble as a way to earn income, repay debt or resolve personal problems.
• Talk openly with someone you trust about your gambling budget and habits.
• Remember that choosing not to gamble is always an available option.

A break can help you make clearer decisions. If a session is no longer enjoyable, stop playing and return only when you feel comfortable. There is no need to continue because you have already spent money or because you believe a win is due.

Tools to help you stay in control

Account controls can help you manage gambling before it becomes difficult. Depending on the features available to you and the requirements that apply in your location, you may be able to set spending, deposit, wagering or time-related limits. A limit should be selected carefully and should reflect an amount you can genuinely afford.

Using limits responsibly

Consider setting a limit before making a deposit or beginning to play. Do not choose a limit based on what you hope to win. Review your limits from time to time, especially if your financial circumstances, work situation or personal commitments change. A lower limit may be appropriate if you are unsure about your gambling budget.

Some account controls may take effect immediately, while other changes may be subject to processing requirements. An increase to a limit may not be available straight away, and a decrease or restriction may remain in place for a specified period. The relevant information shown when you use a control will apply. If you cannot use a tool as expected, stop gambling and seek assistance rather than trying to work around the restriction.

Time-outs and breaks

A short time-out can be useful when you want space from gambling. During a break, do not attempt to open another account or use another person’s account to continue playing. Use the time to consider your spending, sleep, stress levels and other reasons that may have influenced your decision to gamble.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period. If you choose self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not attempt to bypass the restriction. You should also consider excluding yourself from other gambling services you use, where those services provide their own self-exclusion options.

Account tools are helpful, but they are not a substitute for personal support. If you are worried about your gambling, use a break or self-exclusion option and seek independent assistance as soon as possible.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Gambling can become difficult to manage gradually. You may not notice a problem at first, particularly if gambling is mixed with other online activities or social habits. The following signs may indicate that your gambling is having a harmful effect:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Feeling restless, irritated or anxious when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or planning your day around it.
• Chasing losses and believing that another win will solve previous losses.
• Hiding your gambling, deposits, withdrawals or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing payments because of gambling.
• Gambling during work, study or important personal commitments.
• Losing interest in family, friends, hobbies or other activities.
• Feeling guilt, shame, stress or low mood after gambling.
• Trying to stop several times without being able to do so.
• Using gambling to escape loneliness, difficult emotions or personal problems.
• Experiencing conflict with people close to you because of gambling.

One sign can be enough to justify taking a break and talking to someone. You do not need to wait until you have lost a particular amount of money or experienced a serious consequence. Asking for help is a practical step, not a failure.

If you are worried about someone else

If a friend, family member or colleague may be gambling excessively, approach the conversation calmly and without judgement. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek independent support. Avoid lending money to cover gambling losses or helping them hide the problem. You can also seek advice for yourself, because gambling-related harm can affect households and relationships as well as the person who gambles.

Getting support in Australia

Support is available for anyone affected by gambling, including players, partners, relatives and friends. You can speak with a qualified counsellor or an appropriate gambling support service in your state or territory. Australian gambling support services may provide confidential information, counselling, financial guidance and help with planning a break or self-exclusion.

You can also speak with a financial counsellor if gambling has affected your bills, savings, debts or access to essential money. A medical or mental health professional may be able to help if gambling is connected with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use or another concern. Independent support can help you understand your options without pressure to continue gambling.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling and do not make another deposit while you decide what to do.
2. Review your recent gambling and identify how much time and money has been involved.
3. Use an available limit, time-out or self-exclusion control if you need help stopping access.
4. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
5. Contact an independent gambling support service or financial counsellor.
6. Remove saved payment methods and reduce access to money if that will make a break easier.
7. Avoid gambling through other accounts or services while a restriction is active.
8. Make a plan for the situations, emotions or times of day that usually lead you to gamble.

If gambling has created an immediate safety concern, severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent assistance through emergency services or a qualified health professional. Your immediate safety comes first. Do not remain alone with an urgent concern.

Age and account responsibility

Gambling is intended only for people who meet the applicable minimum age requirements. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account or payment methods. Keep your login details private, use appropriate device security and log out when you finish. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and raise the issue through the available support channel.

Woocasino encourages informed decisions and responsible use of its services. Account controls, eligibility requirements and other responsible gambling measures may vary according to applicable rules and the features available on the platform. Please read the information presented in your account carefully and use the controls that best support your personal limits.