Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Online gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every wager can result in a loss, regardless of previous results, personal beliefs or the outcome of earlier games. A winning streak does not make a future win more likely, and a losing streak does not mean that a win is due. Random outcomes cannot be predicted or controlled by a player.

Before you play, consider whether gambling fits comfortably within your budget and circumstances. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Gambling should never be funded with money needed for rent, bills, food, education, savings, debt repayments or other important commitments. Do not borrow money, use credit that you cannot repay or sell personal belongings to continue gambling.

• Set a personal spending budget before you start and treat it as a maximum, not a target.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the website or app.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending wherever possible.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or making an important decision.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are independent and cannot be changed by a strategy, system or tip.

A safer approach also includes keeping gambling private in a healthy way rather than hiding it from people who may be affected. If you share finances with a partner, family member or household, consider discussing a suitable entertainment budget. Being open can make it easier to notice changes in spending, mood or behaviour before they become serious.

Recognising when gambling may be becoming a problem

Gambling harm can develop gradually. It may affect finances, relationships, work, study, sleep, mental health and general wellbeing. You do not need to wait until a crisis before taking action. If gambling is causing worry or conflict, reducing or stopping play and seeking support can be helpful.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or feeling unable to stop during a session.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of wagers to experience the same excitement.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut back or stop.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family, friends or another person you trust.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using funds set aside for essential expenses.
• Gambling to escape sadness, loneliness, stress, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling or withdrawing from normal activities.
• Feeling regret after playing but returning to gamble again soon afterwards.

One sign on its own does not define a gambling problem, but several signs together should be taken seriously. You can also ask someone you trust whether they have noticed changes in your behaviour. Honest feedback may feel uncomfortable, but it can help you make a timely decision about taking a break or getting professional assistance.

If you feel that gambling is difficult to control, stop playing rather than trying to recover losses. Contact a recognised gambling support service in your state or territory, speak with a qualified counsellor or make an appointment with a health professional. If gambling is connected with immediate emotional distress or a safety concern, seek urgent help through the appropriate emergency or crisis service.

Tools to help you stay in control

Surfplay Casino may provide responsible gaming features that can help you manage your activity. Available options can depend on the account, product and applicable requirements. If you are unsure which option is suitable, choose a conservative setting or ask the relevant support team about the controls available to you. A tool is most effective when it is arranged before you feel pressure to continue playing.

Budget and deposit controls

Where available, a deposit limit can restrict the amount added to an account over a selected period. Set a limit that reflects your real entertainment budget, not an amount based on a hoped-for win. A limit is not a guarantee that you will not lose money, so it should be used alongside a spending plan and regular reviews of your transactions.

Time reminders and breaks

Time reminders can help you notice how long you have been playing. When a reminder appears, stop and assess whether you are still within your plan. Stand up, leave the screen and take a meaningful break. If you regularly ignore reminders or find it difficult to stop, consider using a longer break or a formal exclusion option.

Activity review

Review account activity, deposits, withdrawals and playing time regularly. Looking at a complete record can provide a clearer picture than relying on memory. Keep records of your gambling budget and compare actual activity with your plan. If the figures cause concern, stop playing and seek assistance rather than attempting to correct the position through further gambling.

Self-exclusion and account restrictions

Self-exclusion is a stronger option for people who want to stop gambling for a defined period or indefinitely. During an exclusion period, access to relevant gambling services may be restricted in accordance with the applicable process. Account restrictions may also be available. Read the conditions carefully, because an exclusion or restriction may not be reversible before its agreed end and may apply only to the service or services covered by the request.

Protecting yourself and others

Online gambling accounts should be used only by the registered account holder. Keep login details, passwords and verification information private, and use a secure device where possible. Do not allow another person to gamble through your account, and do not use another person's account. Contact the relevant support channel promptly if you believe your account has been accessed without permission or if you need help applying a restriction.

Gambling is not suitable for people under the legal gambling age. Parents, guardians and carers should take reasonable steps to prevent children and young people from accessing gambling websites, devices or payment methods. Use device controls, secure passwords and supervision where appropriate. If an underage person has accessed an account or gambling service, stop the activity and raise the matter through the appropriate account support process.

Be cautious of messages, advertisements or individuals promising guaranteed wins, inside information or a way to recover losses. No legitimate gambling activity can promise a particular result. Never share passwords, payment information or identity documents in response to an unsolicited request. Check information through the official website or account channels before taking action.

If another person's gambling is affecting you, you are entitled to seek support even if they do not want help. Financial stress, secrecy and conflict can affect family members, friends and colleagues. Set clear boundaries, protect shared finances where lawful and safe, and consider speaking with a professional support service about your own wellbeing.

Getting support and taking a break

Asking for help is a practical step, not a failure. A qualified counsellor or recognised gambling support service can help you understand your gambling, prepare a plan and manage financial or relationship impacts. In Australia, support options may include services available nationally or through your state or territory. Choose a service that is appropriate to your situation and contact it as soon as you feel ready.

1. Stop gambling and close the session rather than trying to win back losses.
2. Use available account limits, a break option or self-exclusion process.
3. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
4. Review essential finances and consider separating gambling funds from household money.
5. Contact a qualified counsellor, health professional or recognised gambling support service.
6. If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek immediate help from an emergency or crisis service.

Surfplay Casino encourages players to use responsible gaming features before problems arise. Our general information is not a substitute for financial, legal, medical or counselling advice. Gambling laws and support arrangements can differ across Australia, so make sure your activity is lawful where you are located and refer to the applicable account terms and responsible gaming information for the controls available to you.

Your wellbeing matters more than continuing to play. If gambling is no longer enjoyable, if it is affecting your budget or relationships, or if you are unsure whether your activity is safe, take a break and seek support. Early action can reduce harm and make it easier to regain control.