Responsible Gaming

Responsible gambling means making deliberate decisions about whether, when and how much you play. Gambling outcomes are determined by chance. No system, pattern or strategy can guarantee a win, and previous results do not predict future results. A losing run does not make a win more likely, just as a win does not guarantee that another win will follow.

Treat gambling as paid entertainment rather than a source of income. Set a budget before you begin and use only money that is genuinely available after essential expenses have been covered. Do not gamble with money needed for rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, transport, education, medical costs or other important commitments. You should also avoid using borrowed money, credit intended for another purpose, savings set aside for essential needs or funds that belong to someone else.

Plan before you play

A plan is easier to follow when it is made before gambling starts. Decide how much you are prepared to spend and how long you intend to play. Consider setting a reminder so that you can keep track of time, particularly if you are playing on a mobile device or late at night. Stop when your spending or time limit has been reached, even if you are winning or hoping to recover a loss.

• Set a gambling budget using disposable income only.
• Choose a playing-time limit before opening a game.
• Keep gambling money separate from money for household and personal necessities.
• Take regular breaks and check how much time and money you have spent.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Never borrow money, sell belongings or use another person's funds to gamble.
• Do not increase your usual budget because you have had a win.
• Never chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing longer than planned.

If gambling no longer feels enjoyable, affordable or controlled, stop playing and take a break. You do not need to wait for a serious problem before using account controls or asking for help. Acting early can make it easier to protect your finances, relationships and wellbeing.

Account controls can help you manage your gambling activity. Depending on the services and settings available on the Website, you may be able to set limits relating to deposits, wagering, losses or session time. You may also be able to review account activity, take a temporary break or request restricted access for a longer period. Read the information provided with each tool carefully so that you understand how it works before confirming your choice.

Set limits before you need them

A limit is most effective when it reflects your actual budget and is set before you begin gambling. Do not choose an amount based on what you hope to win or what you believe you can recover. Review your limits from time to time, especially if your employment, income, expenses or personal circumstances change.

Where a limit change is subject to an account process or waiting period, read the relevant information before submitting your request. A request to reduce gambling activity should be treated as an important step. If you are unsure which option is suitable, review the responsible gaming settings available through your account or use the support channel displayed on the Website.

Take a break or self-exclude

A temporary break may be useful when you want time away from gambling and an opportunity to review your habits. Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for players who want to prevent access for a selected period or longer. If you request a break, account closure or self-exclusion because of gambling concerns, clearly explain the reason so the request can be considered through the relevant responsible gaming process.

1. Choose a limit, break or exclusion option that matches the level of control you need.
2. Check the duration, conditions and effect of the selected option before confirming it.
3. Remove saved payment details and other prompts that may encourage impulsive play.
4. Tell a trusted person about your decision if their support would help you maintain it.
5. Do not create another account or use another person's account to bypass a restriction.
6. Seek additional assistance if you find it difficult to follow the restriction.

Account restrictions are intended to support safer gambling, but they work best when combined with practical steps outside the Website. Consider giving control of some finances to a trusted person, using banking controls where available, avoiding gambling-related advertising and spending time on other activities.

Gambling harm can develop gradually and may affect money, relationships, work, study, sleep and emotional wellbeing. A person does not need to gamble every day or lose a particular amount for gambling to become a concern. Paying attention to changes in your behaviour can help you take action early.

Warning signs to consider

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss.
• Increasing your stakes to achieve the same level of excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account information from family or friends.
• Using money intended for bills, savings or other essential expenses.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, family commitments or social activities to gamble.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other things.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling regret, shame or distress after gambling but continuing to play.
• Returning to gambling shortly after deciding to stop.

Further signs that gambling may be causing harm

• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or money.
• Neglecting sleep, meals, health or other personal responsibilities because of gambling.
• Changing your usual routines so that you can spend more time playing.
• Feeling unable to discuss gambling honestly with people who care about you.
• Using gambling to deal with difficult emotions instead of seeking other support.
• Experiencing financial pressure, unpaid bills or difficulty meeting regular commitments.

One warning sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling disorder, but it is a good reason to pause and review your behaviour. Stop playing, consider applying an account restriction and speak with someone you trust. If gambling is affecting your finances or relationships, early support may help you take practical steps before the situation becomes more serious.

Do not chase losses

Chasing losses means continuing to gamble or increasing the amount wagered in an attempt to recover money already lost. This can quickly turn a manageable loss into a larger financial problem. Losses are not temporary debts that gambling can reliably repay. If you notice that you are playing to recover money, stop immediately and take a break.

Talk to someone you trust

Gambling can be easier to manage when you are not dealing with it alone. Consider speaking with a partner, family member, friend, financial counsellor, health professional or another qualified support organisation. Ask for help reviewing your spending, maintaining a break or separating essential funds from discretionary money. Choose someone who will respect your privacy while also helping you follow through with your decision.

If you are concerned about your gambling, stop playing and seek support from an appropriate service in Australia. A qualified gambling counsellor, financial counsellor, health professional or support organisation may be able to provide confidential guidance about gambling behaviour, financial pressure, relationships and practical next steps. You can ask for help even if you are uncertain whether your gambling is serious enough to require assistance.

If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or another person, contact emergency services or an urgent mental health service in your area. Gambling support is not a substitute for emergency assistance. If you are experiencing severe financial or personal distress, consider speaking with a trusted person and obtaining professional advice as soon as possible.

Support through the Website

Reef Reels Casino can provide information about responsible gaming settings and account processes available through the Website. If you need help with a limit, break, self-exclusion or account closure, use the support option displayed on the Website and explain the assistance you require. Do not continue gambling while waiting for assistance if you believe gambling is becoming difficult to control.

The Website and its support resources are not a substitute for professional financial, medical or mental health advice. If you are dealing with debt, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression or other concerns connected with gambling, seek advice from a suitably qualified service. A trusted person may also be able to help you restrict access to money, review account activity and maintain a decision to stop.

Keep your account secure

Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account. Protect access to your devices and payment methods, and sign out when using a shared device. Do not create an account for another person, ask someone else to place wagers for you or use another person's account. These actions may breach applicable rules and can make it harder to maintain healthy personal limits.

If you believe someone else has accessed your account, stop using it and raise the concern through the support channel available on the Website. Account security issues should be reported promptly. Keep in mind that account protection and responsible gaming are connected: reducing unauthorised access to payment methods and gambling accounts can help prevent impulsive or unplanned play.

Our approach to responsible gaming

Responsible gaming is an ongoing process. Review your gambling habits regularly, update your limits when your circumstances change and take a break whenever gambling feels less enjoyable or less controlled. Reef Reels Casino may use account information and activity patterns to support safer gambling practices, subject to applicable privacy requirements and the Website's policies.

Responsible gaming tools are designed to support informed choices, but no tool replaces personal awareness or professional help. If you are unsure what to do next, the safest step is to stop gambling, secure your account, remove access to available gambling funds and speak with a trusted person or qualified support service. Asking for help is a practical decision and does not require you to wait until gambling has caused serious harm.

Gambling is only for adults who are legally permitted to participate. Do not allow a minor or another restricted person to access your account. You are responsible for complying with the laws and requirements that apply to you, including any applicable age and location requirements.