Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity when it is kept within sensible limits. Before you play, consider how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat any amount you choose to gamble as an entertainment expense, similar to spending on dining, films or other recreational activities. Only use money that is available after essential costs have been covered.

There is no guaranteed way to win when gambling. Game outcomes are uncertain, and previous results do not determine what happens next. A win does not mean that another win is more likely, and a loss does not mean that a win is due. Avoid viewing gambling as an investment, income source or reliable way to recover money.

Practical principles

• Set a spending limit before you start and stop when you reach it.
• Set a time limit so that gambling does not take over other activities.
• Keep gambling separate from household money, rent, bills, savings and credit commitments.
• Never gamble with money needed for food, housing, education or other essential expenses.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when tired, upset, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Do not borrow money, use credit or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Remember that it is always acceptable to stop, whether you are winning or losing.

Keeping a simple record of your deposits, bets, wins, losses and time spent playing can help you understand your habits. If the amounts or time are higher than you expected, consider reducing your activity or taking a break. A clear record can also make it easier to discuss your concerns with someone you trust.

Avoid gambling when you are using it to escape difficult feelings or situations. Gambling may provide a temporary distraction, but it does not resolve stress, loneliness, relationship problems, debt or other concerns. Consider speaking with someone you trust or a qualified professional about the underlying issue instead.

Managing your gambling

Planning ahead can make it easier to remain in control. Decide your personal limits before opening a game or making a deposit, and avoid changing those limits during a session. A limit is most useful when it is realistic, easy to understand and based on money and time that you can genuinely afford to spend.

Ways to maintain control

1. Prepare a personal entertainment budget that includes all gambling activity.
2. Choose the maximum amount you are prepared to lose over a day, week or month.
3. Decide how long a session may last and use an alarm or another reminder to help you finish on time.
4. Avoid immediately depositing again after reaching your budget or losing a planned amount.
5. Protect money intended for essential expenses before considering entertainment spending.
6. Keep your gambling account information private and do not allow other people to use your account.
7. Review your activity regularly and change your habits if gambling becomes more frequent or expensive.
8. Consider taking a complete break if you are finding it difficult to follow your own limits.

Depending on the services and features available to you, account controls may help you manage your activity. These may include deposit limits, loss or wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs or account closure options. Read the relevant information carefully before using a control, as the effect and duration of each option can vary. If you are unsure how a control works, seek clarification before continuing to gamble.

A temporary break can be useful when you want distance from gambling without making a permanent decision. During a break, avoid opening another account or using another gambling service to continue playing. If you have decided that gambling is no longer right for you, consider asking for account closure or self-exclusion where that option is available. A self-exclusion request should be treated seriously, and you should not try to work around it.

Making a personal plan

• Decide in advance how much you can afford to spend without affecting your normal financial commitments.
• Choose whether you will gamble only at particular times and avoid unplanned sessions.
• Use reminders to take breaks, check the time and review your remaining budget.
• Do not increase your limits because of a win, a loss or pressure from another person.
• Tell a trusted person about your plan if accountability would help you follow it.
• Stop playing if gambling stops feeling enjoyable or begins to cause worry.

Responsible gaming controls are designed to support your choices, but they cannot remove every risk. You remain responsible for making decisions about your activity and for seeking help if gambling is affecting your wellbeing, finances or relationships.

Recognising signs of concern

Gambling may be becoming difficult to manage when it takes more time, money or attention than you intended. A single sign does not necessarily mean that you have a gambling problem, but several signs together may indicate that a break or professional support would be helpful. It is better to ask for assistance early rather than wait for serious harm to occur.

Possible warning signs

• You spend more money or time gambling than you planned.
• You think about gambling frequently or find it difficult to concentrate on other matters.
• You increase your bets because smaller bets no longer feel exciting.
• You try to win back losses by continuing to play or spending more.
• You hide your gambling, losses or account activity from family, friends or colleagues.
• You borrow money, use credit or delay bills to continue gambling.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
• You miss work, study, sleep, social activities or family commitments because of gambling.
• You gamble to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• You have tried to cut down or stop but have not been able to maintain the change.
• Gambling is causing arguments, financial pressure or loss of trust in your relationships.
• You feel shame, hopelessness or distress connected with your gambling.

If any of these statements sound familiar, stop and consider taking a break. Speak openly with someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, health professional or financial counsellor. You do not need to wait until a crisis to ask for help. Professional support can help you understand your gambling, make a plan and manage related financial or emotional concerns.

If gambling has led to debt or difficulty paying essential expenses, avoid trying to solve the problem by gambling more. Pause your gambling, review your immediate financial obligations and seek independent financial guidance. Prioritise housing, food, utilities and other essential costs. You may also wish to discuss practical steps with a qualified financial counsellor.

It can help to involve a trusted person when you are trying to reduce or stop gambling. Explain what support you need, such as help with planning, reminders to take a break or encouragement to contact a professional service. Choose support that respects your privacy and keeps you responsible for your own decisions.

Support, safety and account responsibilities

Support is available through gambling-help services, health professionals, financial counsellors and community organisations in Australia. These services can provide confidential information about reducing gambling, taking a break, managing urges and dealing with financial or relationship impacts. You can search for an appropriate Australian service in your state or territory, or speak with a general practitioner or other qualified health professional.

If you are supporting someone else, approach the conversation calmly and without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek qualified help. You cannot control another person's gambling, but you can set boundaries around money, protect essential household expenses and seek support for yourself.

Keeping gambling safe

• Gambling services are intended for adults who meet the applicable legal requirements.
• Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account or device.
• Use strong, unique login details and keep them confidential.
• Log out after using a shared device and review your account activity regularly.
• Do not open or use an account in another person's name.
• Do not ask another person to gamble on your behalf or use their account.
• Contact the relevant support channel if you suspect unauthorised access or activity.
• Read the applicable terms, account controls and responsible gaming information before playing.

Lucky Draw Casino encourages players to make informed decisions and to use available responsible gaming controls where appropriate. If you wish to reduce or stop your gambling, take action as soon as possible. You may be able to apply an account limit, request a time-out, close your account or use a self-exclusion process, depending on the options available for your account and location.

Account controls may have different effects, waiting periods or durations. Make sure you understand the relevant process before requesting a limit, time-out, closure or self-exclusion. If you need help finding or using an available control, use the support options provided on the website. Do not create another account to avoid a restriction or continue gambling during a period when you have chosen to take a break.

This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal or financial advice. Gambling laws and support arrangements can differ across Australia. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, stop gambling and contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service without delay.

Choosing to pause or stop gambling is a responsible decision. Whether you are concerned about your own activity or someone else's, seeking support early can make it easier to regain control and protect your health, finances and relationships.