Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gambling

Responsible gambling means staying in control of when, how often and how much you play. It also means understanding that casino games are based on chance. Previous results do not influence future outcomes, and no strategy can guarantee a win. A losing session cannot be recovered by continuing to play, and a winning session does not mean that another win is due.

Golden Empire Casino provides general information to help players make informed decisions. However, each player is responsible for deciding whether gambling is suitable for their personal circumstances. If gambling is causing concern, affecting your relationships, or placing pressure on your finances, stop playing and seek independent support.

You should only use money that is available for entertainment after essential expenses have been paid. Do not use rent, mortgage payments, household bills, savings, borrowed money or money intended for other important commitments. Never borrow money to gamble, sell possessions to fund play or rely on future winnings to cover current expenses.

• Treat gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income.
• Set a spending limit before you begin and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Do not chase losses or increase your stake because you feel due for a win.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Do not ask other people to fund your gambling.
• Never gamble on behalf of another person or allow someone else to use your account.

Tools and practical ways to stay in control

Planning your gambling before you start can make it easier to stay within your intended boundaries. Decide how much time and money you are prepared to spend, then stop when either limit is reached. A limit is most effective when it is set before a session, rather than changed during play because of a result.

Set a realistic budget

Create a gambling budget from your discretionary income and review it regularly. Consider your normal living costs, debts, savings goals and other commitments before deciding whether any money is available for gambling. Your budget should be an amount you can lose without affecting your wellbeing or responsibilities. If your financial position changes, reduce or stop your gambling rather than trying to make up the difference through further play.

Use account controls

Where available, use the account tools provided for deposit, spending, wagering, session or time limits. You may also be able to request a temporary break, account restriction or self-exclusion. Read the conditions of any control carefully, including when it takes effect and how long it remains active. A limit should not be raised or removed simply because you are trying to recover losses.

Track your activity

Review your deposits, withdrawals, bets and time spent playing. Looking at your activity in a clear and honest way can help you identify patterns that may otherwise be easy to overlook. If the total amount or time is more than you expected, consider reducing your limits, taking a break or stopping altogether.

1. Choose your maximum budget and session length before opening a game.
2. Record the amount you spend and the time you spend playing.
3. Stop immediately when your planned limit is reached.
4. Take a meaningful break before deciding whether to play again.
5. Review your habits regularly and ask for help if you are finding it difficult to follow your own limits.

Recognising when gambling may be becoming harmful

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it may not always be obvious at first. A person may continue to gamble even when they recognise negative consequences. The issue is not only how often someone plays; it can also involve the amount spent, the emotional reasons for gambling, or the effect gambling has on work, study, health, family and finances.

Consider taking a break and seeking advice if any of the following apply to you:

• You spend more money or time gambling than you intended.
• You think about gambling frequently or find it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when you try to reduce or stop.
• You return to gamble after losing in an attempt to win the money back.
• You increase your stakes to achieve the same excitement or to recover losses.
• You hide your gambling, your deposits or your losses from family, friends or other people you trust.
• You borrow money, miss payments or use money set aside for essential expenses.
• Gambling affects your work, education, sleep, relationships or physical health.
• You cancel plans or withdraw from people so that you can gamble.
• You use gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• You feel guilty, ashamed or distressed after gambling but continue to play.
• Someone close to you has expressed concern about your gambling.

One or more of these signs does not mean that you should manage the issue alone. Stopping early can prevent further harm. A trusted friend or family member may be able to help you create distance from gambling, review your finances and support you while you take practical steps.

Taking a break and getting support

If you are concerned about your gambling, stop playing and use any available account break, restriction or self-exclusion options. You can also contact the relevant support channel made available for your account and ask for assistance with limiting or closing access. Do not reopen an account or create another account to get around a restriction. If you share devices or payment methods with another person, take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access.

Independent help is available across Australia. You can speak with a gambling support service, a qualified counsellor, a psychologist, your doctor or another health professional. These services can help you understand your gambling, plan a break, manage urges and address related financial or emotional concerns. Support is also available for family members, partners and friends who are affected by somebody else’s gambling.

When asking for help, be open about how often you gamble, how much money is involved and whether you have borrowed or hidden money. You can also ask a trusted person to help with budgeting, account access and bill payments while you regain control. If money problems are involved, consider speaking with a free or independent financial counselling service before taking on further credit or making decisions based on expected winnings.

For immediate safety concerns

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, harm to another person or an immediate safety risk, stop gambling and seek urgent help through local emergency services or a crisis support service. Your safety comes first. Do not remain alone with an immediate risk, and tell someone you trust what is happening.

Age and account responsibility

Gambling is intended only for people who meet the minimum legal age and other eligibility requirements that apply to them. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account, device or payment method. Keep login details private, use appropriate device security and contact the available support channel if you believe your account has been accessed by someone else.

This page provides general responsible gaming information and is not a substitute for personal, medical, legal or financial advice. Gambling rules and available support arrangements can vary by location. Make sure you understand the requirements that apply to you before using an online gambling service.