Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Responsible gambling means keeping gambling within limits that suit your circumstances. Before you start, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense, similar to the cost of another leisure activity. Once your planned limit has been reached, stop playing, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.

Gambling outcomes are based on chance. Previous results do not determine future results, and a run of losses does not make a win more likely. There is no reliable strategy that can guarantee a profit. Avoid thinking of gambling as an investment, a source of regular income or a way to recover money that has already been lost.

• Only gamble with money set aside for entertainment after essential expenses have been paid.
• Set a spending limit before you play and do not increase it while gambling.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the device or gambling environment.
• Keep gambling separate from decisions about rent, bills, food, savings and other financial commitments.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Never borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Avoid chasing losses by continuing to play in an attempt to win back money.
• Keep gambling private from people who need to know about your financial decisions.

A break can help you make a clear decision. If gambling stops feeling like a choice and starts feeling difficult to control, pause your activity and consider using the support and account-management options available to you.

Tools to help you stay in control

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to maintain control. Review the account tools available to you and choose settings that reflect your personal budget and circumstances. These tools are intended to support responsible decisions, but they work best when you use them before gambling becomes a concern.

Deposit and spending limits

Where available, use deposit or spending limits to control the amount that can be added to your account over a selected period. Choose an amount that you can afford to lose without affecting essential commitments. A limit should be based on your overall budget, not on the amount you hope to win. If a limit is set, allow time for any requested change to take effect and continue to follow the existing limit during that period.

Time reminders and breaks

Regular breaks can help you keep track of how long you have been playing. If time reminders or session controls are available, use them to interrupt play and reassess how you feel. Stand up, move away from the screen and consider whether continuing fits with the plan you made before starting.

Temporary breaks

A temporary break can be useful if you want time away from gambling without making a longer-term decision. During a break, do not use other gambling accounts or services to continue the same activity. Use the time to review your spending, speak with someone you trust and consider whether further support would be helpful.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger account restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period. If this option is available, request it when you feel ready to take a firm break. Do not try to bypass a self-exclusion arrangement by opening another account or using another person's details. If you ask for help with self-exclusion or account closure, provide accurate information so the request can be handled appropriately.

Account settings and controls may differ depending on the service and your location. Check the relevant account area or contact the available support channel through the website if you need help understanding a control. No tool can remove every gambling risk, so combine account settings with a realistic budget, regular breaks and honest conversations about your gambling.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, background or previous experience. It may develop gradually, and some people do not recognise the effect on their wellbeing until financial, relationship or work problems have become more serious. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Trying to reduce or stop gambling but finding that you cannot do so.
• Chasing losses or increasing the amount you gamble to feel the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you are not gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, account information, transactions or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or experiencing financial stress because of gambling.
• Gambling to cope with anxiety, sadness, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships, sleep or other responsibilities.
• Feeling guilt, shame or regret after gambling but continuing to play.
• Selling belongings or using money intended for essential needs to fund gambling.

One sign does not provide a diagnosis, but several signs may indicate that gambling is no longer within safe limits. Be honest with yourself about what is happening. Consider stopping gambling, using an account restriction and speaking with a qualified support service. Asking for help is a practical step, not a failure.

If you are worried about another person, approach the conversation calmly and without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek professional support. Do not lend money or cover up gambling-related problems if doing so may allow harmful behaviour to continue. You can also seek advice for yourself about setting appropriate boundaries.

Getting support in Australia

Free and confidential gambling support is available in Australia through national, state and territory services, as well as qualified counsellors and community organisations. These services can help with budgeting, self-exclusion, managing urges, financial stress, relationships and the emotional effects of gambling. Support may be available for people who gamble and for family members or friends affected by someone else's gambling.

Search for an Australian gambling support service in your state or territory, or speak with a healthcare professional about suitable options. Choose a service that is independent and qualified to provide gambling-related support. You can contact a support organisation even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem. An initial conversation can help you understand your choices without requiring you to make every decision immediately.

If you need immediate help

If gambling has contributed to severe distress, thoughts of self-harm, threats or immediate danger, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services in your area. If financial harm is involved, prioritise essential needs such as housing, food, utilities and safety. Consider telling a trusted person what is happening so you do not have to manage the situation alone.

Age and account safety

Gambling is intended for adults who are legally permitted to use the relevant service in their location. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account. Keep passwords, payment information and devices secure, and sign out when you finish using a shared device. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the available account-security process.

Kudos Casino encourages every player to make informed decisions, use available safeguards and seek support early when needed. Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Review your limits regularly, be realistic about the risks and remember that taking a break or stopping altogether is always an appropriate option.