Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every wager is an independent event, and previous results do not make a future result more likely. A winning streak cannot be relied on, while losses can occur quickly. For this reason, gambling should only be treated as paid entertainment and never as a source of income, a way to repay debts or a solution to financial pressure.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably afford to spend. This amount should come from your entertainment budget after essential costs such as rent, mortgage payments, food, utilities, education, transport and other commitments have been covered. Do not use money set aside for bills, savings or family needs. If losing the amount would cause stress or affect your daily life, it is not an affordable gambling budget.

A safer approach also means accepting the outcome of each session. Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes, placing additional bets or continuing for longer than planned. Trying to win back money that has already been lost can lead to larger losses and make it harder to make a clear decision. Taking a break after a loss is often a more helpful choice than continuing to play.

• Set a spending limit before you start and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and finish your session when that time ends.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household money.
• Never borrow money or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Remember that no betting system, pattern or strategy can remove the risk of losing.

Gambling-related harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It can develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change at first. You do not need to wait for a major financial loss or personal crisis before asking for help. Speaking with someone early can make it easier to regain control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Frequently thinking about gambling, planning the next session or feeling restless when not playing.
• Chasing losses or believing a large win is needed to solve financial problems.
• Increasing bet amounts to achieve the same excitement or to recover money.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using credit to continue gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, irritable, low or unable to concentrate because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about time, money or honesty.
• Missing work, study, appointments or other responsibilities.
• Trying to stop or cut back but returning to gambling repeatedly.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, boredom or difficult feelings.

One sign does not automatically mean that a person has a gambling problem, but several signs should be taken seriously. Ask yourself whether gambling is affecting your budget, relationships, sleep, mood or responsibilities. You can also ask a trusted person whether they have noticed changes in your behaviour. An honest conversation may feel uncomfortable, but it can provide practical support and a different perspective.

If gambling is causing distress, stop playing and consider using a time-out or self-exclusion arrangement. Do not try to solve gambling losses through more gambling. Focus first on protecting essential money, speaking with someone you trust and obtaining professional guidance.

Support is available for players, partners, family members and friends. You can speak with a qualified counsellor, financial counsellor, doctor or mental health professional about what is happening. You can also contact a gambling support service in your state or territory, or use a recognised Australian online gambling-help service. These services can provide confidential information, counselling, financial guidance and practical strategies for reducing or stopping gambling.

You do not have to wait until all of your questions are answered before asking for help. A first conversation can focus on one immediate step, such as making a budget, telling a trusted person, arranging a time-out, protecting access to money or booking an appointment. If you are supporting someone else, avoid giving them more money to gamble and encourage them to seek professional advice.

Protecting young people and other people

Gambling services are for adults aged 18 years and over. Do not allow anyone under 18 to use your account, payment method or device for gambling. Keep login details private, use appropriate device security and log out when you finish. You are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent another person from accessing your account.

If you believe another person has accessed your account, change your password and contact support through the available website channels as soon as possible. Do not share passwords or one-time security codes. Keeping your account secure can help prevent unauthorised activity and makes it easier to monitor your own gambling.

If you need urgent help

If gambling has contributed to an immediate risk to your safety, your finances or someone else's safety, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance from appropriate emergency or crisis services in your area. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact emergency services or a crisis support service immediately. Your safety is more important than any account, wager or financial loss.

Sol Casino provides information intended to support safer gambling, but account tools and website features may not address every situation. Gambling involves financial risk, and no control can guarantee that harm will not occur. If you are unsure whether gambling is suitable for you, the safest option is not to gamble and to seek independent advice.

1. Stop your current gambling session.
2. Secure your account and payment methods.
3. Tell a trusted person what is happening.
4. Request a time-out or self-exclusion through the available account or support channels.
5. Contact a recognised gambling-help or financial-counselling service in Australia.
6. Seek urgent assistance if you or another person may be in immediate danger.