Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk, and losses can occur. There is no guaranteed system, strategy or outcome that can remove this risk. Games are based on chance or other rules, and previous results do not predict what may happen next. A win does not mean that another win is due, and a loss does not mean that a win is more likely. Treat every wager as an entertainment expense rather than an investment or a source of income.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably spend without affecting your household budget, relationships, work or other responsibilities. Only use money that is available after essential costs have been paid. Do not gamble with borrowed money, money intended for rent, bills, food, education or other necessities, or funds that belong to someone else. If losing the amount you plan to spend would cause stress, that amount is not affordable for gambling.

Plan before you play

• Set a spending limit for each gambling session and for a longer period, such as a week or month.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the website or app.
• Keep a record of deposits, wagers and losses so that your gambling remains visible and realistic.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or continuing for longer than planned.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Do not rely on gambling to pay bills, repay debts or improve your financial situation.

A budget is only useful when it is followed. If you reach your chosen limit, stop for the planned period, even if you feel that a win may be close. Changing a limit during a session can make it harder to recognise how much you have spent. Consider keeping gambling separate from everyday spending and checking your transaction history regularly.

Tools and account controls

Depending on the services and features available to you, account controls may help you manage how you gamble. These controls can support a plan, but they do not replace personal judgement. Read the information shown when selecting a control and make sure you understand when it starts, what activity it covers and whether it can be changed or removed. If you need clarification, use the customer support options made available on the website.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit limit can restrict the amount added to an account during a selected period. Where available, set a limit before gambling and choose an amount that reflects your genuine entertainment budget. A deposit limit may not be the same as a loss limit, because the money in an account can be used in different ways. Review the relevant account information so you know what the selected control does.

Time reminders and breaks

Time can pass quickly during online play. If time reminders, activity summaries or break options are available, use them to pause and review your session. A short break can help you assess whether you are still playing for enjoyment or continuing because of frustration, habit or the desire to recover losses. Move away from the screen, attend to other activities and return only if gambling remains within your plan.

Self-exclusion and cooling-off periods

If you want to stop gambling, a temporary break or self-exclusion may be appropriate. These options are designed to restrict access for a selected period or until the relevant conditions are met. Once you request a restriction, do not attempt to create another account or use another person's account to continue gambling. If you choose self-exclusion, consider also blocking gambling websites or applications on your devices and telling someone you trust about your decision.

Account controls should be used early, not only after a serious problem develops. You can choose to take a break whenever gambling no longer feels comfortable, is taking more time than intended or is affecting your finances and relationships. If you have difficulty stopping or maintaining a limit, professional support can provide practical assistance and confidential guidance.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, including people who have gambled responsibly in the past. It is not defined only by the size of a loss. The important question is whether gambling is becoming difficult to control or causing harm. Warning signs can develop gradually, so do not ignore changes in your behaviour, mood, finances or relationships.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Increasing the amount of a wager to achieve the same excitement or to try to recover losses.
• Thinking about gambling frequently, including when working, studying or spending time with family.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to cut down or stop.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from people close to you.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using credit to continue gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with a partner, family member or friend about gambling or money.
• Feeling guilt, shame, stress or low mood after gambling, but continuing to play.
• Gambling to avoid difficult feelings or to escape problems.

One warning sign can be enough to take a pause and review your behaviour. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Stop gambling, consider using a break or self-exclusion option if available, and speak with someone you trust. A counsellor or recognised Australian gambling support service can help you understand what is happening and develop steps that suit your circumstances.

If gambling is causing immediate distress

If gambling has contributed to severe distress, thoughts of self-harm or an immediate safety concern, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance from local emergency services or a crisis support service. If you are concerned about another person, take their comments seriously, listen without judgement and encourage them to obtain professional help. Gambling-related harm can affect families and other people around the player, so support is available for loved ones as well.

Protect yourself and others

Age and account responsibility

Gambling is restricted to people who meet the applicable legal age requirements. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your gambling account, device or payment method. Keep login details private, use appropriate device security and log out when you finish. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the account security or support process available on the website.

Protect your finances

Review your banking activity and gambling history regularly. Set practical limits with your bank or payment provider where those options are available, and avoid storing payment details if doing so makes unplanned deposits easier. Keep records of your gambling so you can see the total amount spent over time rather than focusing only on individual wins or losses. Never share payment credentials, one-time security codes or account passwords with another person.

Take a proper break

A break should involve more than closing a single game. Sign out, remove gambling shortcuts, use device blocking tools where suitable and plan alternative activities. Exercise, social contact, hobbies and time away from screens can make it easier to maintain a decision not to gamble. Ask a trusted person to support your plan, particularly if you have previously found it difficult to stop.

Skycrown Casino encourages players in Australia to make careful, informed decisions and to comply with all applicable laws and account requirements. Responsible gambling information is general in nature and is not financial, legal or medical advice. If you are worried about gambling, seek guidance from a qualified professional or a recognised support service rather than trying to manage the situation alone. You can choose to stop, take a break and ask for help at any time.