Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Game outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the relevant game. Previous results do not predict future results, and a losing run does not mean that a win is due. Trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble can increase the amount lost and may make it harder to stay in control.

Treat gambling as a paid entertainment activity. Decide what you are prepared to spend before you begin and regard that amount as the cost of playing. Never gamble with money needed for rent, mortgage or loan payments, household bills, food, education, medical care or other essential expenses. Do not use money set aside for savings, tax, emergencies or important personal commitments.

• Only gamble when you are of the minimum legal age and permitted to use the service in your location.
• Set a spending limit before playing and do not increase it while gambling.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and essential financial commitments.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for other purposes or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Never gamble when affected by alcohol, drugs, strong emotions, tiredness or financial stress.
• Do not rely on gambling winnings as income or as a solution to debt.
• Remember that a win is not guaranteed, regardless of how long you have played.

It can also help to keep a personal record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and the amount you win or lose. Reviewing this information can provide a clearer view of your gambling than relying on memory alone. If the activity is becoming less enjoyable or more difficult to manage, stop playing and seek support early.

Tools to help you stay in control

Responsible gambling tools are designed to help you make deliberate decisions before gambling. Depending on the service and your location, available tools may include deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs, account restrictions and self-exclusion. These tools are most effective when selected before you start playing and set at an amount or period you can maintain.

Set financial limits

Choose a maximum amount you can afford to deposit or lose over a defined period. Consider your income, regular expenses, debts, savings goals and other financial responsibilities. A limit should reflect your real budget, not an amount based on what you hope to win. Once a limit is reached, stop gambling for that period. Do not attempt to work around a limit by opening another account or using another person's account.

Set time limits and take breaks

Gambling for longer than planned can make it harder to assess your spending and decisions. Use reminders where available, decide when your session will end and take breaks regularly. Avoid playing late at night or at times when gambling could interfere with work, study, sleep, relationships or caring responsibilities.

Use a time-out or self-exclusion

A time-out can temporarily prevent or restrict access to gambling. Self-exclusion is a stronger measure that can close or block access for a selected period or until further review, subject to the applicable process and conditions. If you request self-exclusion, do not try to bypass it by creating a new account, using another person's details or accessing the service through another route. Ask the relevant support team what options are available and how they operate before making a request.

Limits and exclusions are intended to support your decision to stop or reduce gambling. They are not a substitute for professional financial, medical or counselling advice. If you are worried about your gambling, use the strongest practical restriction available to you and seek independent support.

Recognising signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, mental health, physical health, work, study and relationships. It can develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the problem at first. You do not need to wait until serious harm has occurred before taking action. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Increasing bets or deposits to try to achieve the same excitement.
• Chasing losses or believing that a win will fix recent losses.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Hiding gambling, deposits, withdrawals or losses from family, friends or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or selling belongings because of gambling.
• Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, health, relationships or other responsibilities.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or loss of control after gambling.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop.
• Opening or attempting to use additional accounts to avoid restrictions.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and talk to someone you trust. You can also contact an independent gambling support service, a qualified counsellor, a financial counsellor or a health professional. Support is available for people who gamble and for family members, partners and friends affected by someone else's gambling. You do not have to manage the situation alone.

If you are in immediate danger

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide, violence or immediate danger, stop gambling and seek urgent help through the appropriate emergency service in your location. Move away from gambling access, tell a trusted person what is happening and do not remain alone if you feel unsafe. Gambling support services and health professionals can help with the next steps.

Protecting yourself and getting help

Your account should be used only by you. Keep login details private, use a strong password and avoid saving account information on devices that other people can access. Do not allow another person to gamble through your account, and do not gamble through another person's account. Account sharing can create financial, privacy and responsible gambling risks and may breach applicable terms.

Keep your payment methods and personal information secure. Review account activity and payment records regularly. If you notice activity you do not recognise, believe someone else has accessed your account or need help with an account restriction, stop using the account and contact the available support channel through the website. Do not provide passwords or security codes to another person.

If you choose to stop gambling, consider removing access to gambling services, blocking gambling-related notifications, asking your bank or payment provider what controls may be available, and telling a trusted person about your decision. A written plan can help. Include the reasons you want to stop, the situations that may trigger an urge to gamble, alternative activities and the people you will contact for support.

1. Stop playing and avoid making further deposits.
2. Use available time-out, account restriction or self-exclusion options.
3. Review your recent gambling and identify any immediate financial obligations.
4. Tell a trusted family member, friend or support person what is happening.
5. Contact an independent gambling support service or qualified professional in Australia.
6. Speak with a financial counsellor if gambling has affected bills, debts or household finances.
7. Seek medical or mental health support if gambling is affecting your mood, sleep or wellbeing.
8. Return to gambling only if it is legal, affordable and consistent with your personal limits; otherwise, continue with exclusion and support.

Koala Casino provides general responsible gaming information, but this information is not personal financial, legal, medical or psychological advice. The most appropriate support depends on your circumstances. If you are unsure whether gambling is safe for you, the safest choice is not to gamble. Review this page regularly, use the controls available to you and seek independent advice whenever you have concerns.