Responsible Gambling

Madison Bundey Updated on:September 13, 2024

For many people, playing at casinos is an enjoyable pastime. Unfortunately, for some gambling can have negative impacts. Responsible gambling is about playing casino games, or making bets on sports events, for fun and entertainment. It becomes problematic when gambling is used as a source of income or when players lose more than they can afford to. If you identify any signs of addiction, there are professional bodies who can assist – there’s no shame in asking for help.

At Best Aussie Pokies, we want you to enjoy yourselves at our recommended online casinos in a safe way. Below we help you understand what responsible gambling is and recognise the signs of addiction if they arise. Our guide will show you how to set limits, where to go for help and how to stay in control.

Table of Contents

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible Gaming is a concept which aims to ensure playing casino games for real money and betting on sports events are carried out in an environment where the potential for harm is minimised. In other words, betting at an establishment which allows players to set personal limits and enforces them. Examples of how to gamble responsibly are:

Set yourself limits

It is easy to lose track of things when you’re having fun, so make sure you set yourself limits. This could be the amount of time you spend playing (set the alarm on your phone as a way of reminding yourself), or the amount of money you wager. Many casinos and payment methods will allow you to set limits, whether that’s daily, weekly or monthly, on the amount of money you deposit. Take advantage of this option to ensure you are betting safely.

Bet carefully

We’re not all Rockerfellers, so it makes sense to set aside a budget for betting. Calculate your income and outgoings each month, and set aside the amount you feel it is OK to play with. Just as you would give yourself a budget for going out, give yourself a betting allowance.

Have fun

Most importantly, you should see that playing casino games is a form of entertainment, something to do for fun not as a source of income. Casinos make money through people’s losses at the tables or on the pokies, and the odds are stacked in their favour. It is highly unlikely, unless you’re a top player on the Poker tour, that you can make a liveable income from gambling.

Don't chase losses

If you’ve made a loss, leave it at that. Throwing more money at the problem is not going to make it go away. Let it go, trying to win back your losses is not going to work.

Self-exclusion

You gamble responsibly when you know there are times to have a break. Perhaps you feel things are getting out of hand; that is the time to use the self-exclusion function. What it means is that you will not be able to log into your player’s account or place any bets. Most casinos allow you to have a temporary self-exclusion or a permanent one. Choose whichever is best for your circumstances.

Reputable casinos

Also look for a casino that has a robust self-exclusion policy. Also, they should be registered and licensed by a gambling authority. Look for the eCOGRA, GPWA and GLI logos, the registration number and authority which has issued the licence.

Responsible Gambling at Online Casinos

Online casinos have a variety of ways to help you monitor your gaming. These are the responsible gambling tools you can find at online casinos in Australia.

Cool Off- This is a short time when you are suspended from your account and therefore unable to place bets.
Deposit Limits- Allows players to set a deposit limit within a certain amount of time. Meaning if a limit is set for 3 days, then players are unable to go over that amount.
Gamban- This prohibits your access to gambling related websites through Windows, iOS, and Android devices
Loss Limit- Similar to the deposit limit, this tool allows you to play if you have reached a certain amount in losses.
Time Limit Alert- A timer that allows you to keep track of the time you have spent playing at a particular website.
Self-Assessment- These are a series of questions and checks that you can do for yourself to assess whether you may have a problem.
Self-Exclusion- Players can request that an online casino prohibit them from entering their website for an extended period of time or permanently.
Wager Limit- This tool allows you to wager a certain amount on a particular game.
Withdrawal Lock- With this self-imposed tool, you are unable to reverse a payout request.

Recognising Problem Gambling

It is not always easy to recognise a problem until the gambling behaviour starts to have a negative impact on yours or a loved one’s life. By understanding what problem gambling is, you can take action early.

The negative impact can manifest itself in many ways, including, but not exclusive to:

Financial problems.
Interfering with personal or work relationships.
Sense of loss of control.
Feeling guilty or lying about the amount of time and money spent gambling.

If you recognise any of these signs, then it is time to get help. There is no need to feel embarrassed about asking for help, it is the biggest step you can take to address the issue.

Types of Gamblers

There are7 recognised types of gamblers, but there are three which are of particular concern. If you recognise any of yours or another person’s habits in these, you should consider asking for help.

Compulsive Gamblers

A compulsive gambler has a life controlled by gambling and money. They frequently spend too much time gambling, chase their losses, and continue to gamble despite the negative effect it is having on their life. Compulsive gambling can quickly take over all aspects of a person’s life.

Binge (Relief and Escape) Gamblers

Similar to a compulsive gambler, a binge gambler will chase losses and ignore any self-limitations once they start betting. However, they only binge for periods, giving the illusion that everything is under control.

Serious Social Gamblers

Using gambling as a coping skill can lead to problems in the future. Lots of hours spent gambling in order to cope with stress can lead to addiction while struggling to maintain relationships.

Professional Gamblers

These types of players typically make a living gambling. Usually, they are logical, evaluate risks and are generally well informed about the games they play.

Antisocial Gamblers

Gamblers who are attracted to cheating, fixing bets and other illegal habits can fall into this category.

Casual Gamblers

Players who gamble with no particular pattern and infrequently are known as casual gamblers. They may even gamble at social gatherings but never in their private time.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

How can you avoid the pitfalls of online gambling? Here are some tips from our experts, so you can keep control of your online gaming experience.

Set a budget

This is one of the best habits you can implement before you start playing any casino games. Decide what your limit is and stick to it.

Avoid chasing losses

It’s very easy to get caught up in looking for that win after a string of losses. Our experts always stress the importance of not trying to make up for a loss by gambling more.

Take breaks!

Setting a time limit on how long you will play or the amount of days you will play can protect you from an unhealthy amount of time spent gambling.

Understand the game & the odds

Some games have better odds than others, so it’s important to be aware of the game you are playing so you can know when it’s best to cut your losses.

Use the Responsible Gambling tools

Many online casinos offer a variety of responsible gambling tools. So, if you feel you need help, don’t hesitate to contact some of the responsible gambling resources we have below.

Where to get Help

There are various forms of help and resources that can aid players who may need assistance. The best online casinos should offer some or all of the following:

Gambling Addiction treatment programs
Gambling Hotlines
Gambling Counselling Services
Gambling support.

If you or someone you know needs help, there are organisations which can assist. In Australia, you can count on the following:

Gambling Help Online provides free support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia.

Gamblers Anonymous is a support group where people share their experiences, strength and hope with other in order to solve their common problem of gambling.

National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service.

GambleAware free online or telephone support 24/7 for gamblers. Plus free, regular counselling available for individuals, a couple or family.

Relationships Australia a non-profit organisation providing a range of family and relationship services including counselling.

Lifeline a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support.

Responsible Gambling FAQs

What is responsible gambling?

What are the signs of problem gambling?

Where can I get help for my gambling?

What does responsible gambling mean to you?

What kind of gambler am I?

Can responsible gambling at online casinos help me keep track of my spending?

Do banks offer responsible gambling support to customers?

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling is a broad concept whereby people gamble in a manner where the potential for harm associated is minimised. In other words, in a controlled environment, not losing more than can afford to be lost, for entertainment not as a source of income, and without negatively impacting relationships at work and home.

What are the signs of problem gambling?

The signs of problem gambling include:

Financial problems
Interfering with personal or work relationships
Sense of loss of control
Feeling guilty or lying about the amount of time and money spent gambling

If you or a loved one feel there is a problem then it is time to seek help.

Where can I get help for my gambling?

In Australia, there are a number of organisations you can contact to get help for problem gambling, including GambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, Gambling Help Online and the National Debt Helpline.

What does responsible gambling mean to you?

Gambling responsibly means taking breaks, only gambling with money that you can afford to lose, and setting limits for yourself (time and money).

What kind of gambler am I?

Seven different types of gamblers have been identified, from casual social gambler to compulsive gambler. If you're a compulsive, binge or serious social gambler, it means you are no longer gambling responsibly.