Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every bet can result in a loss, regardless of previous results, patterns or personal expectations. Games are generally based on chance, and a losing run does not make a win more likely. Likewise, a previous win does not mean another win is due.

Before opening an account or placing a bet, consider whether gambling is suitable for your circumstances. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been paid. Your gambling budget should not come from rent, bills, food, savings, credit, borrowed money or funds intended for someone else.

Set a plan before you play

• Decide how much money you can spend and how long you will play.
• Treat your budget as an entertainment expense rather than an investment.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, intoxicated or under pressure.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Stop when you reach your time or spending limit, whether you are winning or losing.

A budget can help you remain in control, but it is not a guarantee that gambling will be affordable. Review your financial position regularly and reduce or stop gambling if your circumstances change.

Tools to help you stay in control

Account controls can make it easier to follow a decision made before you start gambling. Depending on the features available to you, you may be able to set deposit, wagering, loss or session limits, take a temporary break, or request account closure or self-exclusion. The terms, timing and operation of these controls may vary.

Use limits before gambling

Choose a limit that reflects what you can genuinely afford, rather than an amount based on what you hope to win. Allow time to consider the limit before gambling. Once a limit is active, do not attempt to work around it by using another account, changing your budget or asking another person to place bets for you.

• Set a spending limit that covers a defined period.
• Set a session or time limit where this option is available.
• Check your account activity and transaction history regularly.
• Keep payment methods secure and do not share account access.
• Consider removing saved payment methods if you are finding it difficult to stop.
• Use a temporary break if you need time away from gambling.
• Request self-exclusion or account closure if you want a stronger restriction.

If you ask for an account restriction, provide clear information about the type of support you need and follow the instructions given. A restriction may not immediately prevent every transaction that has already been submitted or processed. Do not continue to gamble while a restriction request is being reviewed. If you believe an account control has not worked as expected, stop gambling and raise the issue through the available support channel.

Do not bypass a restriction

Self-exclusion and account restrictions are designed to support your decision to stop. Creating another account, using another person's account or asking someone else to gamble on your behalf can undermine that decision and may breach applicable rules. If you have excluded yourself, seek independent support rather than trying to regain access.

Recognising when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It can develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the impact until problems have become serious. You do not need to wait for a crisis before taking a break or asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to recover losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, transactions or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or using credit to continue gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or money.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, hopeless or unable to control your gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other problems.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to stop.

One warning sign can be enough reason to pause and review your gambling. Consider telling someone you trust what is happening. An honest conversation can reduce secrecy and make it easier to create practical safeguards, such as limiting access to money, taking a break or seeking professional advice.

If you are worried about someone else

You may notice changes in another person's behaviour before they recognise a problem themselves. Approach the conversation calmly and focus on the impact rather than blame. Explain what you have observed, listen without judgement and encourage the person to seek independent support. Do not lend money to cover gambling losses or take responsibility for managing their gambling alone.

Taking a break or stopping

Taking a break can be a useful first step if gambling is becoming difficult to manage. You can decide to stop for a specific period or stop completely. Remove gambling applications or shortcuts, avoid gambling advertising where possible, and spend time on activities that do not involve betting. Planning what you will do during high-risk times can make it easier to maintain your decision.

1. Decide whether you need a short break, a longer break or permanent self-exclusion.
2. Apply the relevant account restriction before you feel tempted to gamble.
3. Tell a trusted person about your decision and ask them to support you.
4. Review access to money, credit and payment methods.
5. Identify situations, emotions and places that may trigger an urge to gamble.
6. Arrange an alternative activity for times when you would usually play.
7. Seek professional or community support if stopping is difficult.

A break is not a failure if you return to gambling later, but returning should only happen if it is legal, affordable and consistent with your personal boundaries. If you have experienced harm or have self-excluded, returning may not be appropriate. Consider independent advice before making that decision.

Protecting young people and other vulnerable people

Gambling services are intended for adults who meet applicable age and identity requirements. Keep your account credentials, devices and payment methods secure, and do not allow another person to use your account. Use parental controls or device restrictions to help prevent children from accessing gambling content. If you believe an account is being used by someone who should not have access, stop activity and raise the concern through the available support channel.

Support and further help

If gambling is affecting your money, relationships, health or peace of mind, support is available. In Australia, you can seek confidential help from a qualified counsellor, health professional or recognised gambling-support service. Australian support services can provide information, counselling, financial guidance and assistance for family members. You do not need to be certain that you have a gambling problem before contacting them.

Fast Pay Casino can provide general information about account controls and available safer-gambling options, but it cannot provide medical, financial or legal advice. Independent support is often the best place to discuss gambling harm, debt, stress, relationship concerns or other personal issues. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an appropriate urgent mental-health service in your area.

Our safer-gambling approach

• We encourage players to understand the risks before gambling.
• We provide information intended to support informed decisions.
• We encourage the use of available limits, breaks and self-exclusion options.
• We do not present gambling as a way to earn income or recover financial losses.
• We expect players to keep their account details secure and prevent underage access.
• We may take steps required by applicable rules when concerns about account activity arise.

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility. Use the information on this page to make a plan that suits your circumstances, monitor your behaviour and act early if gambling starts to feel less controlled. Choosing not to gamble is always an option, and asking for help is a positive step.