Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling enjoyable

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Casino games are designed for entertainment, and outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the game. Previous results do not predict future results, and a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to play. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses and financial commitments have been paid.

Before opening a game, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost rather than an investment. Once your budget or time limit has been reached, stop playing. Do not increase your spending simply because you have lost, and do not assume that a win is due because you have experienced a series of losses.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a gambling budget that is separate from rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, savings and other essential expenses.
• Decide how long you will play before you start and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses so you have a realistic view of your activity.
• Never use borrowed money, credit intended for essential costs or another person’s funds to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape a personal problem.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes, playing for longer or moving to games with higher risks.
• Remember that gambling is not a reliable source of income and should not be used to pay debts.
• Keep your account details private and do not allow other people to gamble using your account.

If gambling no longer feels like a choice, or if you find yourself hiding your activity from people close to you, consider taking a break and seeking support. Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control.

Recognise the warning signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually. You may not notice a serious concern until gambling has affected your money, mood, work, study or relationships. Warning signs can be different for each person, but repeated changes in your behaviour are worth taking seriously.

You may need to take a break if you:

• Spend more time or money gambling than you originally planned.
• Keep trying to win back money after losing it.
• Feel restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling.
• Think about gambling during work, study, family time or other important activities.
• Hide your gambling, losses, transactions or account activity from family or friends.
• Borrow money, sell possessions or use savings to continue gambling.
• Miss bills, work, study, appointments or social commitments because of gambling.
• Argue with people close to you about how often or how much you gamble.
• Gamble to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult emotions.
• Feel guilt, regret or shame after gambling, but continue the same pattern.
• Try to stop or cut back and find that you cannot maintain the change.
• Experience financial hardship or other personal consequences linked to gambling.

One warning sign does not define you, and you do not need to wait for a crisis before taking action. Consider stopping play, reviewing your account activity and speaking with someone you trust. A qualified support service can help you understand what is happening and develop practical next steps without judgement.

Ask yourself regularly

1. How much have I spent on gambling recently, including money I have lost?
2. Has gambling affected my bills, savings, work, study, sleep or relationships?
3. Am I gambling for entertainment, or am I trying to solve a financial or emotional problem?
4. Would I be comfortable telling someone close to me how much I gamble?
5. Can I stop or take a break when I decide to?

Use limits, breaks and self-exclusion

Account controls can help you plan your gambling before you play. Where available, you may be able to request restrictions such as deposit limits, wagering limits, loss limits, session reminders, time limits or a temporary break. The options available may depend on the account, service and applicable requirements.

A limit works best when it is set in advance and treated as a firm boundary. Choose an amount and period that reflect your personal budget, and do not change a limit in response to a loss or a strong urge to continue. Consider combining financial limits with time reminders and regular breaks so you can review your activity calmly.

Taking a break

If you want to stop gambling for a period, you can request a temporary account break or other restriction where this option is available. A break should be treated as time away from gambling, not as an opportunity to open another account or use another person’s account. Tell a trusted person about your decision and remove easy access to gambling funds where practical.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a longer period or do not feel able to control their play. You can contact the relevant support or account team to ask about self-exclusion and the process that applies. During self-exclusion, you should not attempt to create another account, use someone else’s account or bypass account controls.

If you request an account closure, restriction, break or self-exclusion because gambling is causing concern, the request should be treated seriously. You may be asked to provide information needed to protect your account. Account restrictions may not remove financial obligations or reverse activity that has already taken place, so act as soon as you decide that a change is needed.

Create a personal safety plan

• Choose a clear start date for your break or restriction.
• Tell a trusted friend, partner or family member what you are doing.
• Remove saved payment details and reduce access to available gambling funds where possible.
• Avoid gambling advertising, gambling-related social media and situations that trigger urges.
• Plan another activity for the times when you would usually gamble.
• Contact a qualified gambling support service for guidance and accountability.

Finding support in Australia

You do not have to manage gambling concerns alone. Support is available for people who gamble, as well as partners, family members and friends affected by someone else’s gambling. Australian gambling support services can provide confidential information, counselling, financial guidance and practical help with setting boundaries. You can also speak with a GP, psychologist, counsellor or another qualified health professional.

Services such as Gambling Help Online and state or territory gambling support programs may be able to assist with information and counselling. The right service can depend on where you live and what kind of support you need. If money is a concern, consider speaking with a financial counsellor about bills, debt, budgeting and protecting essential funds.

If someone else’s gambling affects you

Family members and friends can experience stress, financial pressure and relationship difficulties when another person is gambling heavily. You can seek support for yourself even if the person who gambles does not want help. Set clear boundaries around money, protect shared finances, avoid covering up losses and ask a qualified service for advice before making important financial decisions.

When urgent help is needed

If gambling has contributed to immediate danger, threats, violence, severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent assistance from emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia. Move to a safe place and contact someone you trust. Gambling concerns can be treated, and prompt support is available.

7 Seas Casino encourages players to make informed decisions, use available account controls and seek support whenever gambling stops being enjoyable. Responsible gaming is an ongoing process. Review your habits regularly, respect your limits and take a break whenever you are unsure whether gambling remains right for you.