Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Casino games are games of chance. The outcome of each game is determined by the rules and random results, and past results do not predict future outcomes. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or method that can ensure a win. A losing session cannot be recovered by continuing to play, and a winning session does not mean that another win is due.

Before opening a game, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Only use money that is available for entertainment after essential expenses have been paid. Never use money needed for rent, bills, food, travel, debt repayments or other important commitments. Do not borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to continue gambling.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before you start and stop when you reach it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending where possible.
• Record deposits, withdrawals and playing time so you can see your overall activity.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Treat wins as part of the entertainment experience rather than as income.
• Talk to someone you trust if you feel your gambling is becoming difficult to manage.

A limit is most useful when it is decided calmly and followed consistently. If you find yourself changing a limit to continue playing, that may be a sign to pause and seek support.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It may begin gradually, and a person may not notice the impact until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, work, study, health or emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait for serious harm before asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally planned.
• Trying to win back money that has been lost.
• Increasing your bets or deposits to feel the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling during work, study, family time or sleep.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account information from other people.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using essential funds to gamble.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting relationships, responsibilities, personal care or other interests.
• Making repeated attempts to stop or cut back without being able to do so.
• Feeling guilt, shame or distress after gambling, then returning to play.

These signs do not provide a diagnosis, but they are reasons to stop and review your behaviour. Consider taking a complete break, restricting access to gambling and speaking with an independent support service. Support is available whether you gamble occasionally or frequently.

Limits, breaks and self-exclusion

Account controls can help you manage your activity. Depending on the services and settings available on your account, these may include deposit limits, loss or spending limits, session reminders, time limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. Read the information shown in your account carefully so you understand what each option does and when it takes effect.

A cooling-off period is a temporary break from gambling. Self-exclusion is a stronger measure that prevents access to gambling for a selected period or until any stated process has been completed. Choose self-exclusion if you want to stop gambling rather than simply reduce your activity. During a break or self-exclusion period, do not try to open another account or use another person’s account.

If you need a longer break

1. Stop playing and avoid making further deposits.
2. Use the available account limit, break or self-exclusion settings.
3. Remove saved payment details and reduce access to gambling websites or applications where practical.
4. Tell a trusted person that you are taking a break and ask them to support your decision.
5. Review bills, debts and regular expenses, and consider seeking financial counselling if money is causing stress.
6. Contact an independent gambling support service for confidential guidance.

Account controls are helpful tools, but they are not a substitute for professional support. If gambling is causing harm, use more than one form of protection and ask for help as soon as possible.

Protecting young people and vulnerable users

Gambling is intended for adults who meet the applicable legal age and identity requirements. Minors must not use a gambling account or access gambling services. Parents, carers and account holders should take reasonable steps to prevent children from using gambling websites, applications, devices or payment methods.

• Keep account passwords, payment details and devices secure.
• Do not allow another person to use your account.
• Use device controls or filtering tools to restrict access where appropriate.
• Do not leave an active gambling session unattended.
• Explain to young people that gambling is not a reliable way to earn money.
• Seek advice if someone in your household is using your account or payment method without permission.

If you believe an account has been used by a minor, or that another person has accessed it, stop using the account and raise the matter through the available account support process. Do not share login credentials, one-time codes or other security information.

Personal wellbeing matters

Gambling should not be used as a response to depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness or financial pressure. If you are experiencing strong distress or feel unsafe, stop gambling and contact an appropriate health or emergency service in Australia. Immediate personal safety should always come before account or financial concerns.

Getting support in Australia

You can seek confidential help from an independent gambling support service in Australia. These services can help you understand your gambling, make a plan to reduce or stop, manage urges, deal with financial effects and speak with family members. You do not have to manage the situation alone, and you do not have to wait until you have lost a large amount of money.

A qualified counsellor or health professional can provide advice suited to your circumstances. Financial counselling may also help if gambling has affected bills, debts or access to essential funds. If you are supporting a friend or family member, independent services can provide guidance for you as well.

A simple action plan

1. Acknowledge what is happening without judging yourself.
2. Stop gambling for today and move away from the website or application.
3. Tell one trusted person and ask them to help you stay accountable.
4. Set an account break or self-exclusion if you need to prevent access.
5. Contact an independent gambling support service in your state or territory.
6. Review your finances and arrange advice if gambling has created debt or missed payments.
7. Return to the plan whenever an urge to gamble appears.

Joker8 Casino encourages players to make informed decisions and to use available safer gambling controls. Information on this page is general and is not a medical, legal or financial diagnosis. Gambling rules, support options and account requirements may vary across Australia. Always check the current information that applies to your location and circumstances.