Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be enjoyable when it remains within clear personal and financial boundaries. However, gambling always involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are based on chance or other outcomes that cannot be controlled by a player. Previous results do not predict future results, and a winning streak does not mean that a win is more likely on the next game.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat this amount as an entertainment expense rather than an investment. Never use money needed for rent, bills, food, education, medical care or other essential costs. Do not gamble with borrowed money, credit intended for other purposes or money belonging to someone else.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before starting and stop when you reach it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from gambling.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and household finances.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or affected by medication.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing to play after losing.
• Do not treat gambling as a source of income or a way to repay debts.
• Keep your account information private and do not allow other people to gamble through your account.
• Review your gambling activity regularly so you can identify changes in spending or behaviour.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family, social activities and other interests.
• Take a break whenever gambling no longer feels enjoyable or controlled.

Setting a limit does not remove the risk of loss, but it can help make your choices clear before emotions or excitement influence your decisions. If you find it difficult to follow a limit, consider stopping play and using a longer break or a self-exclusion option.

Depending on the features available to your account and the requirements that apply to the service, safer gambling controls may help you manage your play. These controls can include spending limits, deposit limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion. Availability, settings and the time required for a change to take effect may vary.

Using limits

A deposit or spending limit can restrict the amount you add or use over a selected period. Choose an amount that fits comfortably within your budget, after essential expenses have been paid. A limit should be set before gambling begins and should not be increased simply to continue playing. If a request to reduce a limit is available, it may take effect promptly. A request to increase a limit may be subject to a delay or additional conditions.

Taking a time-out

A time-out is a short break from gambling. It may be useful if you feel distracted, frustrated or concerned about your recent play. During a time-out, avoid opening another gambling account or using another service to continue gambling. Use the break to review your spending, speak with someone you trust and consider whether further support is appropriate.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for people who want to stop gambling for a set period or indefinitely. When self-exclusion is requested, access to the relevant account or service may be restricted in accordance with applicable requirements. Self-exclusion should be taken seriously. Do not attempt to create another account, use another person's account or find ways around the restriction.

If you want to use a responsible gambling control, check the available account settings or contact the relevant support channel through the website. Do not wait until a problem becomes serious. A request for help can be made at any stage, whether you are concerned about your own gambling or someone else's.

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, health and emotional wellbeing. It can develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change immediately. There is no need to wait for a major financial loss before taking action.

You may wish to pause gambling and seek support if you notice any of the following signs:

• Gambling for longer or spending more than you planned.
• Trying to win back money that has been lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing essential payments to fund gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or responsibilities because you are gambling.
• Repeatedly trying to stop or cut down without being able to do so.
• Feeling shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.

These signs do not mean that you have to manage the situation alone. Stop gambling, secure access to your money and speak with a trusted person or a qualified support provider. You can also ask a financial counsellor, health professional or gambling support service about practical steps, including budgeting, counselling, self-exclusion and help with related stress.

Support for someone else

If you are worried about a family member, friend or colleague, choose a calm time to raise your concerns. Explain what you have noticed without blaming or shaming the person. Encourage them to seek professional support and respect their privacy. You can also seek advice for yourself, as gambling harm can affect the people around the person who gambles.

Gambling is only for people who meet the legal minimum age in the relevant Australian jurisdiction and who are permitted to use the service. Minors must not access, open or use a gambling account. Parents and guardians should keep devices, passwords and payment methods secure and take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling services.

An account must be used only by the person to whom it belongs. Do not share passwords, payment details or login access. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop gambling, change your password and follow the account security process available through the website. Account security is important for protecting both your funds and your gambling controls.

If gambling is causing financial, relationship or emotional difficulties, consider speaking with a qualified gambling counsellor, financial counsellor, mental health professional or another recognised support service in Australia. Support can help you understand your options and create a plan that suits your circumstances. You can also talk with someone you trust and ask them to help you maintain a break from gambling.

If you feel unsafe, are in immediate danger or are thinking about harming yourself, seek urgent help through local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service. Your immediate safety comes first.

Remember

1. Gambling is entertainment and not a reliable way to earn money.
2. Only gamble what you can afford to lose.
3. Set limits before you play and respect those limits.
4. Never chase losses or gamble with borrowed money.
5. Take a break or use self-exclusion if gambling is no longer controlled.
6. Ask for support early if gambling is affecting your life.

Alawin Casino encourages all players to make informed choices and to use available safer gambling controls. Responsible gambling is an ongoing process: review your habits, keep your limits realistic and take action whenever gambling begins to cause concern.