Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games of chance are based on random outcomes, so previous results do not predict future results. A winning streak does not make a future win more likely, and a loss does not mean that a win is due. Avoid strategies or claims that suggest gambling can provide a reliable income.

Before opening a game, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Do not use rent, mortgage payments, bills, food money, savings, borrowed money or credit intended for other purposes. Keep gambling separate from your everyday finances where possible, and review your spending regularly.

A useful personal plan may include a spending limit, a time limit and a clear point at which you will stop. Consider your limits before you deposit or play, rather than changing them during a session. Once your limit has been reached, stop playing. Do not increase a limit because you are chasing a win or trying to recover a loss.

• Treat gambling as paid entertainment rather than an investment.
• Set a budget that does not affect your essential living costs.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep track of deposits, bets, wins and losses.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Never gamble to repay debts or to solve financial problems.
• Do not borrow money or sell belongings to fund gambling.
• Avoid mixing gambling with important personal, work or family decisions.

Tools and account controls

Account controls can help you stay within the plan you have made. Where these features are available, review the responsible gaming settings on your account and choose limits that reflect your personal budget. Limits can be useful because they add a pause between deciding to gamble and spending more than intended.

Consider setting these controls

• Deposit limits to restrict the amount added to your account over a selected period.
• Loss or spending limits to help control the amount you are prepared to lose.
• Wagering limits to manage the amount staked during a set period.
• Time reminders or session limits to prompt you to take a break.
• A temporary break if you want to stop gambling for a short period.
• Account closure or self-exclusion if you need a longer period away from gambling.

Choose limits before playing and make sure you understand how they operate. Some changes may take effect immediately, while other changes may be subject to a waiting period or account process. A request to reduce gambling is an important step and should not be delayed because you are waiting to recover losses.

If you decide that you need a longer break, use the available account closure or self-exclusion options and do not open another account to continue gambling. You may also consider blocking gambling websites or applications on your devices, removing saved payment details and asking a trusted person to support your decision. Account controls are helpful, but they work best alongside a personal plan and support from people you trust.

It can also help to review your gambling activity regularly. Look at how often you play, how much time you spend online and whether your gambling fits within the budget you set. If the figures surprise you, treat that as a reason to pause and review your plan rather than as a reason to continue playing.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone. It is not defined only by the size of a loss. Gambling may be becoming harmful when it takes more time, money or attention than you intended, or when it causes stress in your finances, relationships, work, study or health. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help.

Warning signs can include thinking about gambling for much of the day, increasing your bets to achieve the same excitement, or feeling restless when you try to stop. Other signs may include repeatedly trying and failing to cut down, chasing losses, hiding gambling from family or friends, borrowing money, missing bills, selling possessions or using money set aside for essentials.

• You gamble for longer or spend more than you planned.
• You feel unable to stop once you have started.
• You keep returning to win back money that has been lost.
• You feel anxious, guilty, irritable or low because of gambling.
• You hide deposits, losses or gambling activity from people close to you.
• Gambling affects your work, studies, sleep, relationships or responsibilities.
• You borrow money, use credit or miss payments to continue gambling.
• You try to stop but return to gambling soon afterwards.
• You think gambling is the only way to improve your financial situation.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust. Do not try to solve the problem by gambling more. Chasing losses can increase financial and emotional pressure, and it does not improve the chance of recovering money. A qualified support service can help you make a practical plan without judgement.

Common gambling myths

• A game is not more likely to produce a win because it has recently produced losses.
• There is no reliable betting system that removes the risk of losing.
• A previous win does not guarantee another win.
• Increasing a stake does not change the underlying odds of a game.
• Gambling more cannot guarantee that earlier losses will be recovered.

Getting support in Australia

Support is available if gambling is affecting you or someone close to you. In Australia, you can contact a government or community gambling support service for confidential information, counselling and practical help. Services may support people who gamble as well as partners, family members and friends affected by another person’s gambling. Gambling Help Online is one Australian source of gambling-related information and support.

You can also speak with your general practitioner, a qualified counsellor or a financial counsellor. They can help with the effects of gambling, including stress, sleep problems, relationship difficulties and financial concerns. If you feel uncomfortable making contact alone, ask a trusted person to sit with you while you seek help.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling and do not make further deposits while you decide what support you need.
2. Review your account activity and identify how much time and money gambling has used.
3. Set or reduce account limits, take a temporary break, or request account closure or self-exclusion where available.
4. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you follow your plan.
5. Contact an Australian gambling support service, health professional or financial counsellor.
6. If gambling has created urgent financial, emotional or safety concerns, seek immediate assistance from the appropriate emergency or crisis service.

If you are worried about another person’s gambling, try to raise the subject calmly and focus on the effect gambling is having rather than blaming them. Encourage them to seek professional help, but remember that you cannot control another adult’s choices. Protect your own finances by keeping accounts and important documents secure, avoiding lending money for gambling and seeking independent financial advice when necessary.

Leonbet Casino can provide information about responsible gaming options available through the platform. Responsible gambling settings are not a substitute for professional support. If you believe gambling is no longer safe or enjoyable for you, taking a complete break and seeking help is the right step.