Gambling should be about entertainment and fun — if it becomes more than that, you might be at risk. Even the most confident gamblers can develop unfavourable behaviours, so our guide is here to help everyone make informed decisions. Find out how to manage your gambling responsibly and spot warning signs to keep yourself safe and in control.
Responsible gambling, also known as safer gambling, is the umbrella term given to a number of tools that support gamblers in maintaining healthy, controlled habits. By emphasising self-awareness, control and informed decision-making, responsible gambling reinforces behaviours that minimise the potential negative consequences of problematic gambling.
Any reputable online casino should be transparent about their responsible gambling procedures. You should be able to find a dedicated page on their website that explains the tools available as well as any resources that can help if you’re struggling.
This often includes a “responsible gambling checklist”, which offers you a series of questions to consider that might indicate whether you’re experiencing any problematic behaviours. If you find that you are, the casino should offer tools to help you manage your gambling. Among others, these might include:
In addition, many casinos will list national and international resources from specialist charities or organisations, with more information on how to implement more responsible gambling habits.
There is no specific requirement as to what resources must be available at online casinos so it’s always a good idea to make sure you check what your chosen casino offers — it could become very important down the line.
As well as the safeguards put in place by casinos, there are several good habits you can implement yourself to protect your healthy gambling behaviours. Let’s take a look at some of these.
Before you start any kind of gambling session, define how much you’re looking to spend. Assume that you’re going to lose that amount of money, and never set your budget higher than you can comfortably afford to lose. Remember that gambling is for entertainment, and shouldn’t be approached with the intention of making money.
Pokies have set odds, usually displayed as a Return to Player percentage. This effectively means the average percentage of your wager that you will keep throughout your session. So, if you spend $100 on a pokie with a 96% RTP, you might on average come away with $96.
With this in mind, it makes sense to check your chosen pokie’s RTP before you play. This will normally be in the game information, or you’ll be able to ask customer service if you’re unsure. The industry average is around 95%, so anything higher than that can be considered a good RTP.
Loads of online pokies have bonus games or extra features that hold the real winning potential, and it’s important to get to know these mechanics before you wager real money. Most casinos will let you try out the pokies in demo mode, where you can play without depositing to find out whether you like the game. You’ll normally have to be logged out to access this mode, but it’s worth it to ensure you really understand what you’re getting into before you risk your bankroll.
It’s a fact — gambling can be addictive. That means you can easily while away the hours on your favourite pokies, losing track of both your time and your bankroll. It’s really important to take breaks during your session to stop yourself getting too caught up in the games. Some casinos will offer tools like reality checks to help with this, but a timer on your phone can work just as well.
Both traditional and online casinos are set up to make money, which means that the player inevitably loses. You should make peace with this from the get go, and never try to recoup your losses by risking more — especially if you’re reaching the end of your budget.
Drugs and alcohol inhibit your decision-making skills, which are crucial for responsible gambling. Make sure you have a clear head when you’re gambling to maintain control and prevent yourself from taking unnecessary risks.
There’s no shame in asking for help, so don’t hesitate if you think you might be struggling to keep your gambling in control. Family and friends can be great to lean on, and there are plenty of charities and professional organisations that offer support and resources. It’s so much harder to regulate your behaviours on your own, so don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it.
The NSW Office of Responsible Gambling has found that players who understand how gambling works are more likely to adopt responsible gambling habits. Here are six key factors to keep in mind that might help you reframe your gambling:
These organisations are there to support you, whether you’re struggling with your gambling or you just have some questions.
Gamblers Anonymous Australia is an individual-led group that offers meetings and a 12-step program to provide support and recovery from gambling addiction.
Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential online support services for anyone struggling with problematic gambling. The site offers self-help tools, online counselling information and a 24/7 helpline.
Relationships Australia provides counselling and support services for individuals and families affected by a variety of problems. This includes gambling-related issues, with a focus on managing the impact problematic gambling can have on relationships.
Gambler’s Help is a confidential, accessible support service offering assistance for anyone facing problems with gambling. You can get information, advice and referrals to appropriate resources to further support individuals with gambling addiction.
