Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Casino games are based on chance, so past results do not predict future outcomes. A win does not mean that another win is due, and a loss does not make a win more likely. Every wager should be made with the understanding that the money may not be returned.

Before playing, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat this amount as an entertainment cost, similar to the cost of another leisure activity. Only use money that is available after essential expenses have been paid. Never use rent, bills, credit intended for necessities, borrowed money or funds needed for family commitments to gamble.

Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or trying to recover from a difficult personal or financial situation. These circumstances can affect decision-making and may make it harder to follow your limits. If gambling is no longer fun, stop playing and consider taking a break.

Important principles for safer play

• Gambling is entertainment, not a source of income.
• Set a budget before you start and do not increase it during a session.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for everyday living.
• Do not chase losses or try to win back money by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Do not borrow money or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Take regular breaks and make time for other activities.
• Keep your account details secure and do not allow another person to use your account.
• Follow all applicable age, identity and legal requirements.

Set limits and manage your play

Planning your play in advance can help you remain in control. Consider setting a spending limit for a day, week or month, together with a time limit for each session. A limit works best when it is decided before you begin and is not changed while you are playing. If safer gambling tools are available through your account, use them to support the limits you have chosen.

Useful account and play controls

• Deposit limits can help restrict the amount added to an account over a chosen period.
• Loss or spending limits can help you keep gambling costs within a planned budget.
• Session reminders can help you notice how long you have been playing.
• Time-outs can pause access for a short period when you need space from gambling.
• Self-exclusion can prevent access for a longer period where you decide that a complete break is appropriate.
• Account activity and transaction records can help you review your spending and playing patterns.

Choose limits that are realistic for your circumstances. A limit should not be based on what you hope to win, and it should not be increased because you have lost money. If you find that you are repeatedly changing, cancelling or avoiding your limits, this may be a sign that additional support would be useful.

A break from gambling can be useful even when there is no serious concern. During a break, remove gambling applications or shortcuts, avoid gambling-related content and ask someone you trust to support your decision. If you use more than one gambling service, consider taking steps across all relevant accounts rather than relying on a limit at only one service.

Keep a clear record

It can be easy to remember wins more clearly than losses. Review deposits, withdrawals, wagers and time spent playing so that you have an accurate view of your activity. Do not judge your results only by individual sessions. Look at the overall amount spent over time and compare it with the entertainment budget you set.

Recognise when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling may be becoming a problem when it affects your finances, relationships, work, study, health or general wellbeing. Harm can develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change straight away. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back losses by continuing to play or increasing the size of bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other things.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or selling belongings because of gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or withdrawing from normal activities.
• Neglecting work, study, health, sleep or important responsibilities.
• Trying to cut back or stop but returning to gambling sooner than intended.

One warning sign may be enough reason to review your habits. Several signs can indicate that gambling is causing harm and that professional support may help. Speaking with a trusted person can make it easier to take the first step. Be honest about the amount of time and money involved, even if the conversation feels uncomfortable.

If you are worried about someone else, approach them calmly and without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek independent support. Avoid lending money to cover gambling losses, and protect shared finances where appropriate. Support services can also provide guidance to family members and friends.

Getting help and taking a break

If gambling is affecting your life, consider stopping and seeking support as soon as possible. In Australia, Gambling Help Online and state or territory gambling support services provide information, counselling and practical assistance for people affected by gambling. These services may also support partners, family members and friends. You can choose a service that suits your circumstances and ask about confidential help.

You can also speak with a qualified health professional, financial counsellor or mental health practitioner. They may help you understand what is driving your gambling, create a plan to reduce or stop, manage financial pressure and address stress or other concerns. If you feel unable to stay safe or believe there is an immediate risk of harm, seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling and avoid making further deposits or wagers while you consider your next step.
2. Use available time-out or self-exclusion options if you want to prevent access to your account.
3. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you follow your plan.
4. Review your finances and prioritise essential bills, food, housing and other responsibilities.
5. Contact a recognised gambling support service or health professional for confidential guidance.
6. Remove saved payment details, gambling applications and promotional messages where possible.
7. Make a plan for activities that do not involve gambling, particularly during times when you usually play.
8. Return to your support plan regularly and ask for further help if it becomes difficult to maintain.

N1 Casino encourages players to make informed decisions and use safer gambling measures before concerns become serious. Limits, reminders and breaks are helpful tools, but they cannot remove the underlying risk of gambling. If you believe you cannot control your gambling, self-exclusion and independent professional support are important options.

This information is general and is not a substitute for financial, legal, medical or psychological advice. Availability of account features, eligibility requirements and self-exclusion arrangements may vary. Please review the relevant information in your account and the rules that apply to you before using any gambling service.