Responsible Gaming

Our approach to safer gambling

Bwin Casino supports a practical and balanced approach to online gambling. Before you open a game, consider whether gambling is affordable, appropriate for your circumstances and likely to remain enjoyable. Gambling outcomes are uncertain, and no strategy can guarantee a win. The results of previous games do not change the odds of future games, and a loss is not a reason to increase your stake or continue playing.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Essential costs may include rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, transport, debts, education, medical expenses and other regular commitments. Money set aside for these purposes should not be used for gambling. Credit, borrowed funds and money needed by family members should also not be treated as a gambling budget.

A responsible gambling plan is easier to follow when it is made before a gambling session begins. Decide on a maximum amount of money and time, record the decision and stop when either limit is reached. Do not rely on being able to recover losses. Chasing losses can lead to larger bets, longer sessions and decisions that may create further financial or personal harm.

• Treat gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income.
• Set a spending and time limit before every session.
• Keep gambling separate from household and essential expenses.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when tired, upset or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Never gamble to chase losses or prove a point.
• Review your gambling habits regularly and act on concerns early.

Tools and choices that can help you stay in control

Depending on the account and services available to you, safer gambling tools may help you manage your activity. These tools are most effective when used before gambling becomes difficult to control. Check the relevant account settings and available support options for information about the controls that apply to your account and location.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit or spending limit can help you keep gambling within a planned budget. Choose an amount that remains affordable even if it is fully lost. A limit should not be based on expected winnings, and it should not be increased simply because you have experienced a losing session. Consider setting a daily, weekly or monthly limit that reflects your income and other financial responsibilities.

Time limits and breaks

Long sessions can make it harder to make careful decisions. Use reminders, scheduled breaks or other available time-management features to interrupt play. Stand up, move away from the screen and do something unrelated to gambling. If you regularly lose track of time, consider taking a longer break or stopping altogether.

Reality checks and activity reviews

Where available, activity summaries and reality checks can help you review how long you have been playing and how much you have deposited or wagered. Reviewing this information can provide a clearer picture than relying on memory. If the figures surprise you or cause concern, stop gambling and consider using stronger account controls.

Self-exclusion and account closure

If you want to stop gambling, a break, self-exclusion or account closure may be appropriate. Self-exclusion is intended for people who want to prevent themselves from accessing gambling services for a selected period or until further notice, where that option is available. Account closure alone may not address the underlying issue, so consider combining it with support from a qualified gambling service.

Do not try to work around a self-exclusion or use another person’s account. Account access should be personal, and sharing account details can create safety, privacy and financial risks. If you have asked to stop gambling, allow the restriction to do its job and seek support to help maintain your decision.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, including people who have previously felt in control. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the impact until gambling has affected their money, relationships, work, study, sleep or wellbeing. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Consider taking a break and seeking support if any of the following statements feel familiar:

• You gamble for longer or spend more than you intended.
• You try to cut back but find it difficult to stop.
• You increase your stakes to achieve the same excitement or to recover losses.
• You think about gambling frequently or feel restless when you cannot gamble.
• You hide gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from people close to you.
• You borrow money, sell possessions or use money intended for bills to gamble.
• You feel anxious, guilty, irritable or low after gambling.
• Gambling affects your relationships, employment, studies, sleep or everyday responsibilities.
• You gamble to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• You return after deciding to stop because you believe a win will solve the problem.

If one or more of these signs apply, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust or a recognised gambling support service in Australia. A qualified counsellor can help you understand your options without judgement. Support is also available for family members, partners and friends who are affected by another person’s gambling.

Be honest about your gambling when reviewing your situation. Look at deposits, withdrawals, time spent, unpaid bills and changes in your mood. Writing down what happened can make patterns easier to identify. Avoid making major financial decisions while distressed, and consider asking a trusted person to help you protect essential funds and manage immediate commitments.

Protecting young people and vulnerable people

Online gambling is for adults only. Young people must not create, use or access a gambling account. Do not provide account details, payment methods or devices to anyone else. Keep passwords, identification documents and payment information private, and sign out when using a shared device.

Parents, carers and other adults can reduce the risk of unauthorised access by using device-level parental controls, keeping payment information secure and monitoring shared devices. These steps do not replace the need to follow applicable age and account requirements. If you believe a young person has accessed gambling services, stop the activity and seek appropriate assistance.

Extra care may be appropriate if gambling is connected with financial hardship, mental health concerns, substance use, relationship difficulties or a recent major life change. Gambling should not be used as a treatment for stress, depression, anxiety or any other health concern. Speak with a qualified health or support professional when gambling is being used to cope with difficult feelings.

People who have experienced gambling harm may find gambling content, promotions or account reminders difficult to manage. If this applies to you, use available account restrictions, take a full break and ask a support service about additional steps. A trusted person may be able to help with practical changes, such as removing saved payment details or limiting access to gambling applications.

Getting help and making a safer decision

Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control. Start by telling someone you trust what has been happening. You can also contact a recognised gambling support service in your state or territory, speak with a qualified counsellor or discuss financial concerns with an appropriate financial counselling service. These services can help you plan next steps, manage urges and address the effects of gambling on your finances and relationships.

1. Stop gambling and avoid making further deposits or bets while you consider your options.
2. Review your recent gambling activity and identify the amount of time and money involved.
3. Use available limits, time controls, a break, self-exclusion or account closure.
4. Tell a trusted person so that you do not have to manage the situation alone.
5. Contact a recognised support service for confidential guidance and practical assistance.
6. Address urgent financial commitments first and avoid borrowing money to continue gambling.
7. Return to gambling only if it is affordable, voluntary and consistent with your personal limits; otherwise, continue your break.

Bwin Casino cannot remove the risks associated with gambling, and no account tool can replace personal judgement or professional support. Controls may also take effect according to the relevant process and applicable requirements, so do not wait until a problem becomes serious before using them. If you feel that gambling is affecting your immediate safety or the safety of someone else, stop gambling and contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Set a clear budget, keep track of your activity, take breaks and be prepared to stop. If gambling is no longer enjoyable or is causing harm, seeking help is a positive and practical step.