Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. The outcome of a game is not affected by previous results, personal beliefs or the amount you have already spent. A win does not mean that another win is more likely, and a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to play. Treat every wager as entertainment spending and only use money that you can afford to lose.

Before you play, consider whether gambling fits your budget, your responsibilities and your current wellbeing. Do not gamble when you are upset, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, tired, or trying to escape personal difficulties. Taking a break can help you make clearer decisions and keep gambling in perspective.

Helpful principles for safer play

• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not increase it during a session.
• Set a time limit and stop when that time has ended.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, education, healthcare or other essentials.
• Do not borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to fund gambling.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer.
• Take regular breaks and make time for work, study, family, friends and other interests.
• Keep a record of how much time and money you spend gambling.
• Remember that gambling is not a reliable source of income.

Losses are part of gambling and should be accepted as a possible cost of entertainment. Trying to win back money that has already been lost can lead to larger losses and may make it harder to stop. If you find yourself thinking about gambling more often, hiding your activity or using money set aside for other needs, consider taking a break and seeking support.

Plan your gambling and use available controls

A written plan can make it easier to keep gambling within limits. Decide in advance how much money and time you are comfortable spending over a session or a chosen period. Your limit should be based on your overall budget after essential costs have been paid. It should never be an amount that would cause financial stress if it were lost.

Before you start

1. Check that you are legally permitted to gamble and meet any applicable age requirements.
2. Decide the maximum amount you can afford to lose.
3. Decide how long you will play and when you will stop.
4. Make sure essential bills and financial commitments are covered first.
5. Choose whether you need a break, deposit limit, loss limit or other account control.
6. Tell yourself that the limit is final, even if you experience a win or loss.

Golden Casino may make account management and safer gambling tools available to eligible players. Depending on the service and applicable requirements, these tools may include spending limits, time reminders, temporary breaks, activity information, account restrictions or self-exclusion. Read the instructions shown in your account carefully and choose controls that match your circumstances. A limit is a planning tool, not a guarantee that gambling will be affordable in every situation.

If you want to reduce or stop gambling, use the relevant account settings or contact the available support channel through the service. Do not open another account or use another person’s account to avoid a restriction. Any request to close, restrict or exclude an account may be handled in line with the applicable rules and verification requirements.

Protect your account

• Keep your login details private and use a strong, unique password.
• Do not allow another person to gamble using your account.
• Log out on shared or public devices.
• Check your account activity and payment activity regularly.
• Tell the service promptly if you notice activity that you do not recognise.
• Do not gamble on behalf of another person or provide access to anyone who is not permitted to use the service.

Recognise when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling can become harmful gradually. A person may not notice the change at first, or may believe that they can regain control without help. There is no need to wait for a serious financial loss before taking action. If gambling is affecting your mood, relationships, work, study or finances, consider reducing your gambling, taking a break or stopping completely.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Increasing the amount of a wager to feel the same excitement.
• Trying repeatedly to win back losses.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when attempting to stop.
• Hiding gambling from family, friends, colleagues or a partner.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using essential funds to gamble.
• Selling possessions or seeking additional income mainly to continue gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to cope with sadness, stress, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilt, shame or regret after gambling but continuing to do it.

One sign does not provide a diagnosis, but it can be a reason to pause and review your behaviour. A confidential conversation with a qualified support provider can help you understand what is happening and decide what to do next. Support is available for people who gamble, as well as for family members, friends and others affected by someone else’s gambling.

If you are concerned

1. Stop gambling for the moment and move away from the gambling service.
2. Use an available break, restriction or self-exclusion option.
3. Tell someone you trust what is happening.
4. Review your finances and prioritise essential expenses.
5. Avoid borrowing money or making important financial decisions while distressed.
6. Contact a recognised gambling support service in Australia or a qualified health professional.
7. If gambling is connected with thoughts of self-harm or immediate danger, contact emergency services or an urgent mental health service in your area.

Support, privacy and personal responsibility

As a player, you are responsible for making decisions that are appropriate for your age, circumstances and budget. Golden Casino can provide general information about safer gambling and any relevant account tools made available through the service, but no tool can replace personal judgement or professional advice. If you are unsure whether gambling is safe for you, it is safer not to gamble until you have obtained appropriate support.

For help in Australia, consider contacting Gambling Help Online, a state or territory gambling support service, a general practitioner, counsellor or other qualified health professional. These services can offer information, counselling, financial guidance and support for affected family members. You can choose the type of help that suits your needs, including confidential online or face-to-face assistance where available.

Young people and vulnerable people

Gambling services are not suitable for children or people who are not legally permitted to gamble. Parents and carers should take reasonable steps to prevent young people from accessing gambling accounts, devices and payment methods. Use device controls, keep passwords secure and do not leave an active account unattended. If you believe that another person is using your account, stop using the account and report the concern through the available service process.

Questions or concerns about safer gambling

If you have a question about responsible gambling information, account restrictions, a break or self-exclusion, use the support options provided on the Golden Casino website or within your account. Do not send sensitive information through an unverified channel. Golden Casino may need to confirm your identity before discussing account information or applying certain controls. Any request will be handled according to applicable requirements and the service’s privacy and account procedures.

This page is general information and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Australian gambling laws and support arrangements can change, and different rules may apply depending on your location and the service you use. If you need advice about your personal situation, speak with an appropriately qualified professional or a recognised Australian support service.