Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling in perspective

Online gambling involves risk, and losses can occur. There is no guaranteed way to win, predict an outcome or recover money that has already been lost. Games are designed for entertainment, so gambling should be treated as an optional leisure activity rather than a source of income, employment or financial security.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been paid. This includes housing, food, bills, savings, debt repayments and other important commitments. Never use borrowed money, money set aside for living expenses, or funds intended for someone else. If a loss would create stress or difficulty, the amount being wagered may be too high.

Responsible gambling also means making decisions when you are calm and able to think clearly. Avoid gambling when you are affected by alcohol or other substances, feeling distressed, angry or unusually excited, or trying to escape personal problems. Taking a break can help you reassess your choices before gambling becomes difficult to control.

• Set a spending limit before you start and do not increase it to chase a result.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and essential household money.
• Think of deposits as entertainment spending, not as an investment or income plan.
• Accept that wins and losses are part of gambling and that neither can be guaranteed.
• Do not gamble to win back money lost in an earlier session.
• Do not allow another person to use your account or payment method.

Set limits before you play

Planning your gambling before opening a game can make it easier to stay in control. Decide how much money and time you are prepared to spend, and consider those amounts final for the session. A limit is most useful when it is set before emotions, wins or losses influence your decisions.

Depending on the features available to your account and the rules that apply, online gambling services may provide tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs or account closure. These tools can help you manage your activity, but they are not a substitute for making informed choices or seeking support when gambling is causing harm.

Practical ways to manage your play

1. Write down your entertainment budget before depositing funds.
2. Choose a maximum session length and stop when the time has passed.
3. Use available account controls to support the limits you have chosen.
4. Review your transactions and activity regularly so you know how much time and money you are spending.
5. Withdraw or set aside money you cannot afford to risk rather than leaving it available for further play.
6. Keep a record of gambling expenditure as part of your normal household budget.
7. If you notice that your limits are no longer working, stop gambling and seek independent assistance.

Account controls can take effect according to the relevant platform process, technical conditions and applicable requirements. Read the information shown when selecting a control so you understand its duration, scope and any restrictions on changing or removing it. If you want to stop completely, consider requesting a temporary time-out or account closure rather than relying only on willpower.

Promotions, rewards and special offers should never be used as a reason to gamble more than planned. Before taking part in any offer, read the applicable terms and consider whether the activity fits within your personal limits. You are not required to continue gambling because you have received an offer or started a promotion.

Recognise signs that gambling may be causing harm

Gambling-related harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It may develop gradually, and people do not always recognise the signs at first. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Increasing bet sizes to achieve the same excitement or to recover losses.
• Trying to win back losses by continuing to gamble.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you are not gambling.
• Hiding, minimising or misleading others about gambling activity or losses.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using credit to continue gambling.
• Missing work, study, family commitments or social activities because of gambling.
• Arguing with family or friends about gambling or financial matters.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or low mood after gambling.
• Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Attempting to stop or cut back but finding that you cannot do so.
• Continuing to gamble even though it is affecting your finances, health or relationships.

One warning sign does not define a person, but several signs may indicate that support would be useful. Talk openly with someone you trust and consider contacting an independent gambling support service in your state or territory. Support is available for people who gamble, as well as partners, family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling.

If gambling is connected with thoughts of self-harm, violence or immediate danger, stop gambling and seek urgent help through the appropriate emergency or crisis service in your location. Your safety comes first.

Getting help and protecting your account

You do not have to manage gambling concerns on your own. In Australia, free or low-cost information and counselling may be available through gambling support services operated for your state or territory. Independent services can help you understand your options, prepare a plan, manage financial concerns and discuss the impact gambling is having on people close to you. Search for an official Australian gambling support service or speak with a qualified health professional.

A counsellor can help without judging you. You may be able to receive information anonymously or confidentially, subject to the service's own policies and legal requirements. If you are concerned about privacy, ask how your information will be handled before sharing personal details. You can also ask a trusted person to support you while you contact a service.

Consider taking a break or closing your account

If you are finding it difficult to control gambling, consider using any available time-out, self-exclusion or account closure process. A break can provide space to review your spending and seek support. Self-exclusion may be available through the relevant gambling platform or an applicable scheme, depending on your location and the services involved. Read the conditions carefully and remember that you remain responsible for avoiding other gambling services that are not covered by the arrangement.

If you believe someone else has accessed your account, change your password promptly, review account activity and use the account support process available on the website. Keep your login details private and use a strong, unique password. Do not share one-time codes, payment information or identity documents with another person unless you are using an authorised and secure process.

• Ask for a break or account closure if gambling no longer feels enjoyable or manageable.
• Speak with an independent support service, counsellor or healthcare professional.
• Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you keep to your plan.
• Review bank and payment activity and address unpaid bills or debt as soon as possible.
• Remove gambling applications, saved payment details and reminders that encourage impulsive play.
• Keep records of support requests, limits and account decisions for your own reference.

Stelario Casino provides general responsible gaming information, but this page is not financial, legal or medical advice. Account tools and support processes may depend on the service, your location and applicable requirements. If you have concerns about your gambling, finances or wellbeing, obtain advice from an appropriately qualified independent professional.