Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Responsible gaming means making conscious decisions about when, how often and how much you gamble. Gambling outcomes are determined by chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win. Previous results do not predict future results, and a losing session does not make a win more likely. Treat every wager as an entertainment expense rather than an investment, income source or method of solving financial problems.

Before you play, consider whether gambling fits comfortably within your budget and your other responsibilities. Money used for rent, mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, education, debts or other essential costs should not be used for gambling. It is also important to avoid gambling with borrowed money, credit intended for essential expenses or money that belongs to someone else.

Set a clear limit before you start and accept that the limit is the maximum you are prepared to spend. Do not increase it because you are chasing a result or trying to recover a loss. If you reach your limit, stop playing. A break can help you review your choices without the pressure of continuing in the moment.

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Decide how much time and money you will spend before playing.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Do not chase losses or treat gambling as a source of income.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Remember that games are based on chance and outcomes cannot be controlled.
• Take regular breaks and make time for work, family, friends and other interests.

If gambling is no longer enjoyable, feels difficult to control or is affecting your life, stop and seek support. Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control. You do not need to wait for serious financial or personal problems before taking action.

Gambling should be one optional leisure activity among many. It should not replace social activities, work, study, exercise, rest or time with people who matter to you. If gambling begins to take priority over these parts of life, consider taking a break and discussing your concerns with someone you trust.

Practical tools for safer play

Small, planned actions can help you keep gambling within boundaries. Review the safer gambling settings and account options available through Wd40 Casino before you play. Depending on the account features available to you, these may include deposit controls, spending or loss limits, session reminders, time-outs or self-exclusion. Read the terms of each option carefully so you understand how it operates before confirming a setting.

Set a budget and time boundary

Choose a gambling budget that is separate from your everyday expenses. Consider setting a daily, weekly or monthly amount that reflects what you can comfortably afford. Keep a record of deposits, wagers and withdrawals so you have a realistic view of your overall activity. Also decide how long you will play. A timer, regular break or session reminder can help you avoid losing track of time.

Use limits before you need them

Limits are most useful when they are set before a problem develops. If your account provides a deposit, spending or loss limit, choose an amount that protects your budget rather than the highest amount you might be able to spend. A lower limit can provide an additional pause between deciding to play and adding more funds. Do not view a limit as a target or a reason to gamble up to that amount.

Take a break or self-exclude

A time-out can be useful if you want a short break from gambling. Self-exclusion is a stronger option for anyone who wants to prevent access for a longer period or believes they should stop gambling altogether. If you choose self-exclusion, do not try to open another account or use another person's account to continue playing. Ask the relevant support team about the account closure or self-exclusion process and any other steps available to help maintain the break.

Responsible gaming settings are not a guarantee that gambling will remain harmless. They work best when combined with honest budgeting, regular self-checks and support from people you trust. If a setting does not appear to be available or you are unsure how it works, pause your play and seek clarification before depositing or wagering.

Make your limits meaningful

A limit should reflect what you can afford, not what you hope to win or what you could technically access. Review your budget regularly and consider whether gambling expenditure is affecting bills, savings or other priorities. Do not remove or increase a limit simply because you feel confident, are trying to recover a loss or have recently experienced a win.

Recognising when gambling may be causing harm

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It may not always be obvious to the person gambling or to people close to them. The following signs may indicate that gambling is becoming difficult to manage. One sign alone does not provide a diagnosis, but several signs together should be taken seriously.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money after a loss, often described as chasing losses.
• Increasing your bets or deposits to achieve the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or uncomfortable when trying to cut down or stop.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using essential funds to gamble.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or losing trust because of it.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or regret after gambling, but continuing anyway.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to stop.

Financial problems and difficulty paying regular expenses are also important warning signs. However, harm is not measured only by the amount of money lost. Gambling can affect relationships, sleep, mood, work, study, health and confidence even when losses appear manageable.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and take a clear break. Do not attempt to solve gambling losses by placing more bets. Consider telling someone you trust what is happening, reviewing your finances and using account limits, time-outs or self-exclusion. Professional support can help you understand the behaviour and plan practical next steps without judgement.

You can also use a simple self-check by asking yourself whether gambling is affecting your money, relationships, work, study, sleep, mood or ability to meet everyday responsibilities. If the answer raises concerns, it is appropriate to seek help even if the amount of money involved seems small. You are not required to prove that your situation is serious before asking for support.

If someone close to you is affected

Gambling harm can affect partners, family members, friends and colleagues. If you are concerned about another person, choose a calm time to discuss what you have noticed. Use clear, non-judgemental language and focus on the impact of the behaviour rather than making accusations. Avoid lending money for gambling or covering up gambling-related problems, and encourage the person to seek qualified support.

Getting support and protecting your account

Support is available if you are worried about your own gambling or someone else's. In Australia, you can contact a gambling support service in your state or territory, speak with a qualified health professional or ask a trusted person to help you find appropriate assistance. State and territory services may offer confidential information, counselling, financial guidance and support for affected family members.

You do not need to wait until a crisis to ask for help. A counsellor, financial counsellor, doctor or other qualified professional can help you review your gambling, make a plan and identify related issues such as stress, anxiety, depression or debt. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, contact emergency services or an urgent health service in your area.

If you are supporting another person, look after your own wellbeing as well. Set boundaries around money and account access, keep important household funds protected and seek advice about how to respond. You cannot control another person's gambling, but you can decide what support you are able to provide and what behaviour you will not accept.

Keep your account secure

Account security is part of safer gambling. Use a strong, unique password and do not share it with anyone. Keep your device, email account and payment information secure, and sign out when using a shared device. Never allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person's account. Tell the relevant support team promptly if you notice activity you do not recognise or believe your account details have been compromised.

Make sure your account information remains accurate and up to date. Only gamble if you meet the applicable legal age and eligibility requirements. Do not gamble on behalf of another person, and do not ask someone else to place wagers for you. These steps help protect you and support the integrity of your account.

A personal commitment to safer gambling

Before each session, ask yourself whether you can afford the planned spend, whether you are in the right frame of mind and whether you can stop at the limit you set. During play, monitor your time and spending rather than relying on memory. After play, review how you feel and whether the session affected other parts of your day. If the answer raises concerns, take a break and seek support before playing again.

Wd40 Casino encourages every player to use the available responsible gaming information and account controls. Gambling should remain optional, affordable and within your control. If it no longer meets those standards, stopping is a positive decision and support is available.