Responsible Gaming

1

What responsible gambling means

Responsible gambling is about keeping your play voluntary, affordable and under your control. Before using an online casino, consider whether gambling fits comfortably within your budget, schedule and personal circumstances. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose, after essential expenses and financial commitments have been covered.

Gambling outcomes are based on chance. Past results do not predict future results, and no strategy can guarantee a win. A win is not evidence that a game is due to pay, while a loss does not mean that a win is about to happen. Trying to recover losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer can make financial harm more likely.

Healthy gambling habits

• Treat gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income.
• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, savings or other necessities.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to change your mood.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for other purposes or sell belongings to fund gambling.
• Accept losses as part of gambling and never chase them.
• Keep your gambling private from people who need to help you manage shared finances.

If gambling stops feeling like a choice, affects your relationships or causes financial stress, take a break and consider speaking with a qualified support service. Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control.

2

Plan before you play

A simple plan can help you make decisions before excitement, frustration or disappointment affects your judgement. Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending, then use practical steps to stay within those boundaries. A limit only works when it is realistic and respected.

Questions to consider

1. Can I afford to lose the amount I intend to spend without affecting my essential commitments?
2. Am I gambling because I want entertainment, or because I feel pressure to win money?
3. How will I respond if I lose the amount I planned to spend?
4. Have I allowed enough time for sleep, work, study, family and other activities?
5. Would I be comfortable discussing my gambling with someone I trust?
6. Am I using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, boredom or another difficult feeling?

Consider keeping a personal record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and the way gambling makes you feel. Looking at this information honestly can help you identify patterns that may not be obvious during a session. If your spending or playing time is increasing, pause your account activity and review your options.

Avoid making decisions based on the idea that you are on a winning or losing streak. Random games do not remember previous outcomes. Setting a win limit can also be useful: if you reach an amount you are happy with, consider ending the session rather than continuing in the hope of winning more.

Gambling should never be used to repay debts, solve an urgent financial problem or replace employment income. If money worries are affecting your decisions, stop gambling and seek independent financial guidance. A financial counsellor or community support organisation may be able to help you understand your options.

3

Account controls and taking a break

Depending on the account and services available, online gambling operators may provide tools that help players manage their activity. These can include deposit or spending limits, session reminders, time-outs, activity information and self-exclusion. The names, operation and availability of controls can vary, so review the account options and any relevant terms before using them.

Limits

A deposit or spending limit can restrict the amount added to an account during a selected period. Choose a level based on your disposable entertainment budget, not on the amount you hope to win. Do not set a limit simply to continue playing after your planned budget has been used. If you are unsure what limit is appropriate, taking a break may be safer than continuing.

Time-outs and self-exclusion

A time-out is a temporary break from gambling. Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction intended for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period or do not feel able to control their play. If you request a break or self-exclusion, do not create another account or use another person’s account to continue gambling. Protect your decision by removing saved payment details, avoiding gambling-related promotions and telling someone you trust.

Account closure

If you want to stop using your account, contact the operator through the available account or support channels and request closure or an appropriate restriction. You may also ask for information about responsible gambling controls. Account closure does not remove obligations that have already arisen under the applicable terms, and identity or financial checks may still apply where required.

If you are concerned that you may reopen an account or change your mind during a difficult period, consider asking a trusted person to support your decision. You can also block gambling websites and applications on your devices, limit access to available funds and avoid places or situations that encourage you to play.

4

Recognising harm and getting support

Gambling harm can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, experience or background. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the impact until it affects money, work, study, health or relationships. You do not need to wait for a crisis before seeking support.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Increasing your stakes to feel the same excitement or to recover losses.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to stop.
• Hiding gambling, deposits, losses or account activity from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or experiencing financial difficulty because of gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable, anxious or low when you try to cut back.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, conflict or other personal problems.
• Missing work, study, family activities or social commitments because of gambling.
• Selling possessions or using money intended for essential expenses.
• Continuing to gamble despite problems with your health, relationships or finances.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop playing and seek support. Speak openly with someone you trust, such as a partner, family member, friend, doctor or counsellor. Australian players can also contact an appropriate gambling support service in their state or territory. These services can provide confidential information, counselling and practical assistance for people affected by gambling, including family members.

If gambling is connected with severe distress, thoughts of self-harm or an immediate risk to your safety, seek urgent help through local emergency services or a health professional. Your safety is more important than any gambling account, balance or loss.

Protecting young people and other users

People under the legal gambling age must not use an online gambling account. Keep account passwords, payment methods and devices secure, and do not allow another person to gamble through your account. Parents and carers may wish to use device-level parental controls, payment protections and open conversations about the risks of online gambling. If you believe an account has been used by someone else, stop activity and report the concern through the available support channel.

Cashaud Casino encourages every player to make responsible decisions and to ask for help whenever gambling is no longer enjoyable or manageable. Taking a break is a positive step, and support is available even if you are unsure whether your gambling is causing harm.