Responsible Gaming

Play for entertainment

Gambling can be enjoyable when it remains within your personal and financial limits. It also involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game outcome is uncertain, and past results do not predict future results. A winning session does not mean that another win is more likely, while a losing session does not mean that a win is due.

Set your own expectations before you begin. Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending, and regard that amount as the cost of entertainment. Never gamble with money needed for rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, education, medical care or other essential commitments. You should also avoid using borrowed money, credit intended for other purposes or money belonging to someone else.

• Only gamble when you are calm, alert and able to make clear decisions.
• Set a spending limit before starting and do not increase it during play.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday expenses and financial priorities.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Do not gamble to escape stress, boredom, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Avoid gambling when affected by alcohol, medication or other substances.
• Remember that you can stop at any time, whether you are winning or losing.

Responsible gaming is a personal responsibility shared with the people and services that can provide support. If gambling stops feeling like a choice, or if it begins to affect your wellbeing, relationships or finances, take action early. You do not need to wait for a serious problem before asking for help.

Managing your play

Planning your play can help you remain in control. Consider making a written budget for entertainment and reviewing it regularly. A budget is most useful when it is realistic, fixed in advance and not changed because of a win or loss. Keeping a record of deposits, withdrawals, sessions and time spent playing may also help you understand your habits.

Practical steps

1. Choose an amount that you can comfortably lose without affecting essential spending.
2. Choose how long a session will last before you start.
3. Use any available account tools for spending, deposit or session controls where suitable.
4. Take breaks and do another activity between sessions.
5. Review your activity rather than relying on memory or how a session felt.
6. Stop if you reach your time or spending limit, even if you believe a win may be close.
7. Consider a temporary break or account closure if you are finding it difficult to stay within your plan.

Account controls may differ depending on the service and the options available to you. If you want to discuss available restrictions, breaks or account closure, contact the site through the support channel shown on the website. Do not assume that a control has been applied until you receive confirmation where confirmation is required.

You can also make gambling less convenient by removing saved payment details, turning off promotional notifications, using device limits or blocking software, and avoiding websites or social media content that encourages unplanned play. These steps can be useful alongside, rather than instead of, setting personal limits.

Avoid making decisions about gambling when you are upset, tired or under pressure. Take time to consider whether you are playing because you genuinely want entertainment or because you are trying to change your mood or financial situation. If you are unsure, taking a break is a sensible option.

Recognising signs of harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and people may not always recognise changes in their behaviour. It can affect finances, work, study, physical health, emotional wellbeing and relationships. The following signs may indicate that gambling is becoming difficult to manage:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to recover losses by gambling more often or placing larger bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or financial transactions from others.
• Borrowing money, selling items or missing payments to continue gambling.
• Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, depression or other problems.
• Losing interest in work, study, family, friends or usual activities.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame or regret after playing but continuing to gamble.
• Having difficulty stopping even after deciding to take a break.

One sign does not automatically define a gambling problem, but it is worth taking seriously. If several signs apply to you, consider stopping play and speaking with someone you trust or an independent gambling support service. Be honest about the amount of time and money involved. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

If you are concerned about someone else

You may notice changes in a family member, friend or colleague before they ask for help. Approach the conversation calmly and choose a private time. Focus on what you have observed and how it affects you, rather than blaming or judging the person. Encourage them to speak with a qualified counsellor or an independent gambling support service.

Do not lend money to cover gambling losses or take responsibility for debts without understanding the situation. Protect your own finances and wellbeing, and seek advice if you feel unsafe or pressured. Support is available for people affected by another person's gambling, not only for the person who gambles.

Support, self-exclusion and safety

If you want to stop gambling, take a clear and immediate step. You can stop using your account, request a break or ask about account closure and self-exclusion options available through the website. Self-exclusion is intended to help prevent access for a chosen period or in accordance with the relevant process. Read the terms of any restriction carefully and do not create another account to avoid it.

Independent help can provide confidential advice, counselling, practical planning and financial guidance. In Australia, you can look for gambling support through recognised state and territory services, community health providers, financial counsellors, mental health services or other qualified professionals. Search for current Australian gambling support information through official government or health service websites.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide or immediate danger, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in your state or territory straight away. If you are in immediate danger, call the appropriate emergency number. You can also ask a trusted person to stay with you while you obtain help.

Young people and vulnerable people

Gambling services are intended for adults who meet the applicable age and legal requirements. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to use your account. Keep passwords, payment information and devices secure, and log out when you finish. Use parental controls and device restrictions where appropriate.

If you believe a person who is underage or otherwise not permitted to gamble has accessed an account, stop play and notify the site through the available support channel. Additional checks or restrictions may apply. You should never provide your account to another person, and you should not ask another person to place bets or play on your behalf.

28 Mars Casino encourages players to make informed decisions and to seek help whenever gambling no longer feels enjoyable or manageable. Setting limits early, taking regular breaks and speaking openly about concerns can reduce risk. Responsible gaming is not about predicting results; it is about maintaining control over how, when and why you play.