Responsible Gaming

Make gambling a safer choice

Gambling involves risk, and outcomes are determined by chance. No strategy can guarantee a win, and previous results do not predict future results. Before you play, decide how much money and time you can comfortably spend without affecting your essential costs, relationships or wellbeing. Treat that amount as an entertainment expense, not as an investment.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Essential expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, food, utilities, education, medical costs and other regular commitments should always come first. Do not use borrowed money, credit intended for necessities or money set aside for someone else to fund gambling. If a gambling session is affecting your ability to meet everyday obligations, stop playing and seek support.

Practical habits for staying in control

• Set a personal spending limit before you begin and avoid increasing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from household budgets and important financial decisions.
• Never chase losses by trying to win back money you have already spent.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Do not gamble to escape problems, boredom or difficult emotions.
• Keep records of deposits, wagers and losses so you have a clear view of your activity.
• Discuss your limits with someone you trust if keeping them is difficult.
• Remember that stopping is always an option, whether you are winning or losing.

A useful personal rule is to decide your maximum loss before playing and accept that amount as the cost of entertainment. If you reach the limit, end the session rather than making another deposit. A win does not mean you should continue indefinitely, and a loss does not mean a win is due.

Tools and account choices

Depending on the account and applicable requirements, safer gambling features may be available to help you manage your activity. These can include deposit or spending controls, wagering or loss limits, session reminders, time-outs, account activity information and self-exclusion. The features available, how they operate and when they take effect may vary. Review the information provided in your account and use the available customer support options if you need assistance.

Limits

A limit can help you decide in advance how much you are prepared to spend or how long you are prepared to play. Choose an amount that is affordable and realistic. Setting a limit lower than your usual spending can provide an earlier opportunity to pause and review your behaviour. Do not treat a limit as permission to spend more than your household budget allows.

Time-outs and breaks

A time-out can create space between you and gambling. Use a break if you feel distracted, frustrated or unable to stop. During a break, avoid replacing online gambling with other gambling activities. Consider filling the time with a different activity, speaking with a trusted person or seeking professional advice.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger step for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period or do not feel able to control their gambling. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not try to create another account or use another person’s account. You should also consider self-excluding from other gambling services you use, where that option is available. Self-exclusion is most effective when combined with practical support, financial safeguards and help from a qualified service.

If you believe that a limit, break or self-exclusion request has not worked as expected, stop gambling and contact the available support channel promptly. Do not continue playing while waiting for a request to be reviewed or applied.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. You do not need to wait until there is a serious financial loss before taking action. It can affect money, work, study, physical health, mental health and relationships. Sometimes friends or family members notice changes before the person gambling does.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to recover losses by gambling more often or with larger amounts.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account transactions from others.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing payments because of gambling.
• Using money intended for rent, bills, food or other essential needs.
• Neglecting work, study, family, friends, sleep or personal responsibilities.
• Losing interest in activities that previously mattered to you.
• Gambling to manage stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back but finding it difficult to do so.
• Feeling shame, guilt or hopelessness after gambling, then returning to play.
• Experiencing arguments or relationship problems connected with gambling.

One warning sign may be enough reason to pause and review your gambling. You can stop using the account, apply a break or self-exclusion, and talk with someone you trust. A qualified gambling counsellor can help you understand your behaviour without judgement and work with you on practical steps.

If gambling is affecting someone close to you

Gambling harm can affect partners, relatives, friends and other members of a household. If you are concerned about another person, choose a calm time to explain what you have noticed and how it affects you. Avoid giving money to cover gambling losses or taking responsibility for debts that you did not create. Protect shared finances where appropriate, seek independent financial advice and contact a gambling support service for guidance. You can ask for help even if the person who gambles does not want support.

Support, safety and account protection

If you would like to change your gambling settings, close your account or ask a question about safer gambling, use the customer support options displayed on the 1go Casino website. Support staff may explain the available account tools and the steps for requesting a limit, time-out, self-exclusion or account closure. They cannot guarantee gambling outcomes, remove losses or provide financial advice, so consider independent help where appropriate.

Australian players can also seek confidential assistance from recognised gambling support services, a qualified counsellor, a GP, a mental health professional or a financial counsellor. These services can help with planning, budgeting, relationships, stress and other effects of gambling. Government and community services may also provide information for people affected by another person’s gambling. Choose a service that is suitable for your circumstances and location.

Protect your account

• Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account.
• Use a strong, unique password and update it if you believe it may have been exposed.
• Log out of shared or public devices after using your account.
• Review account activity and transaction information regularly.
• Tell customer support promptly if you notice activity you do not recognise.
• Do not create or use additional accounts to avoid a limit, time-out or self-exclusion.
• Keep payment methods and personal information secure.

Age and legal responsibility

Gambling is only for adults who meet the applicable legal age and other legal requirements. Minors must not access or use gambling services. Parents and guardians should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling accounts, devices and payment methods. Use device controls, account security settings and supervision where appropriate. If you believe a minor has accessed an account, stop the activity and contact the available support channel.

Take action early

You do not have to manage gambling concerns alone. The earlier you take action, the more options you may have to protect your finances, health and relationships. Start by stopping play, avoiding further deposits, telling a trusted person and contacting an appropriate Australian support service or health professional. If gambling has contributed to immediate danger, severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help through local emergency or crisis services.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing personal choice. Review your limits regularly, be honest about the effect gambling has on your life and use the tools and support available whenever your circumstances change.