Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games and bets are based on chance or other outcomes that cannot be predicted with certainty. Previous results do not change the odds of a future result, and a losing session does not make a win more likely. Treat every wager as entertainment spending rather than as an investment or source of income.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after covering your ordinary living costs and financial commitments. Never use money intended for rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education or other essential expenses. Avoid borrowing money, using credit to gamble or selling possessions to continue playing. If gambling is affecting your ability to meet everyday obligations, stop and seek support.

Plan before you play

• Decide how much money and time you are comfortable spending before starting.
• Set a personal limit that reflects your budget, and do not increase it during a session.
• Take regular breaks and avoid gambling when you are tired, upset, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Keep gambling separate from essential spending and never chase losses.
• Remember that stopping is always an appropriate choice, whether you are winning or losing.
• Do not gamble to celebrate, escape problems, manage difficult emotions or recover money lost in an earlier session.

A clear plan can make it easier to notice when your behaviour is changing. Consider telling someone you trust about your limits so they can support you in keeping to them. A trusted friend, family member or professional support service can provide an outside perspective when gambling feels difficult to manage.

Tools and controls for safer play

Responsible gambling tools can help you maintain control of your account and make informed decisions. The options available may depend on the service and your account settings. Review the relevant account or gambling-control options before you play, and use them as soon as you feel they would be useful. Limits work best when they are chosen in advance and treated as firm boundaries.

Consider using the following controls

• Deposit limits to restrict the amount added to your account over a selected period.
• Loss or wagering limits to help manage the amount you are prepared to risk.
• Session or time reminders to make you aware of how long you have been playing.
• Time-out periods when you want a short break from gambling without closing your account permanently.
• Self-exclusion when you need to stop gambling for a longer period or do not want access to gambling services.
• Account activity and transaction information to help you review your spending and playing patterns.

If you request a limit, time-out or self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided through the applicable account or support channel. Read the terms of the selected control carefully, including when it begins, how long it applies and whether it can be changed. A control should not be cancelled or adjusted simply because you feel tempted to continue. If you have difficulty applying a control, pause your gambling and seek assistance.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary decision to prevent or restrict your access to gambling for a chosen period. It may be appropriate if you have tried to reduce your gambling but have not been able to maintain your own limits, or if gambling is affecting your relationships, finances, work, study or wellbeing. During a self-exclusion period, do not try to create another account or use another person's account. If you believe you need self-exclusion, request it through the available account support process and consider speaking with a gambling support service at the same time.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It is not defined only by the amount of money spent or by how often someone plays. Gambling may be becoming harmful when it causes distress, secrecy, conflict or difficulties in daily life. You do not need to wait for a serious financial loss before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Increasing bets or deposits to achieve the same excitement.
• Chasing losses or returning to win back money that has been lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Hiding gambling, losses, transactions or account activity from family, friends or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or using savings and credit to gamble.
• Selling possessions or seeking new funds to continue playing.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships, health or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to escape loneliness, sadness, stress, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilt, shame or regret after gambling but continuing to play.
• Trying to stop or cut back several times without success.

One warning sign can be enough reason to pause and review your gambling. If several signs apply to you, stop gambling and speak with a qualified support service. Support is confidential, and you can ask for help even if you are unsure whether your gambling qualifies as a problem. If you are concerned about another person, raise the subject calmly, avoid judgement and encourage them to speak with a professional.

Protecting your account and finances

Keep your account credentials private and do not allow another person to gamble using your account. Check your transactions regularly and consider keeping gambling funds separate from household or essential funds. If you share finances with a partner or family member, discussing agreed spending boundaries may reduce misunderstandings and provide useful accountability. If you identify an unauthorised transaction or believe someone else has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the relevant account security process.

Gambling should never be used to address debt or financial hardship. If money concerns are contributing to your gambling, consider speaking with a financial counsellor as well as a gambling support service. A qualified professional can help you understand your options without requiring you to manage the situation alone.

Getting help in Australia

Free and confidential gambling support is available across Australia. Gambling Help Online provides information, counselling and support options for people affected by gambling, including family members and friends. State and territory gambling support services can also provide advice, counselling and referral to other appropriate services. You can choose the type of support that suits you, including online, telephone or face-to-face assistance where available.

You can begin by contacting a recognised gambling support service through its official website or by looking for gambling help services in your state or territory. If you do not know where to start, ask a health professional, financial counsellor or trusted person to help you find an appropriate service. Information about support services may also be available through the responsible gambling resources displayed on this website.

If someone close to you is affected

Family members and friends can also be affected by another person's gambling. You may experience financial pressure, relationship conflict, worry or emotional exhaustion. You do not need to manage these effects by yourself. Set boundaries around money, avoid covering repeated gambling losses and seek independent advice before taking on debts or financial commitments for someone else. A support service can explain ways to protect your wellbeing while encouraging the person to seek help.

Immediate safety concerns

If gambling has contributed to an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of another person, contact emergency services in your location or attend the nearest emergency department. If you are experiencing severe distress, speak with a qualified health professional or an appropriate crisis support service. Your immediate safety is more important than any account, bet or financial loss.

For questions about account controls or responsible gambling features, use the support or account-management options available on the Koala Casino website. We encourage players to act early, use the controls provided and seek independent support whenever gambling no longer feels enjoyable, affordable or under control.