Responsible Gaming

Online gambling involves risk, and no result is guaranteed. Games are based on chance or other random outcomes, so previous results cannot predict what will happen next. A win does not mean that another win is more likely, and a losing run does not mean that a win is due. Avoid chasing losses or increasing your stakes because you believe a particular result is about to happen.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment. Once your budget or time has been used, stop for the session. Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills, food, education, travel or other important expenses. Gambling should not take priority over your health, relationships, work or everyday responsibilities.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before you play and avoid changing it during a gambling session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the website or app.
• Keep gambling money separate from money needed for daily living costs.
• Do not borrow money, use credit or sell possessions to continue gambling.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals and time spent gambling so your activity remains clear.
• Do not try to win back money that you have lost.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are independent and cannot be controlled by systems, patterns or betting strategies.

Using account controls can help you keep gambling within the boundaries you have chosen. Depending on the features available on your account, you may be able to set deposit, spending or session limits, review your activity, take a break or request a longer exclusion period. Controls are most useful when they are chosen before gambling becomes difficult to manage.

Consider setting limits in advance

1. Choose an amount that fits comfortably within your entertainment budget.
2. Select a period for the limit, such as a day, week or month, where that option is available.
3. Consider setting a lower limit than the maximum you think you could afford.
4. Review your limit only after a suitable period and never change it while feeling pressured or emotional.
5. Use time reminders and regular breaks to avoid losing track of how long you have been playing.

If you want to stop gambling, you can ask for your account to be closed or for access to be restricted. A temporary break may be useful when you want time away from gambling. A longer self-exclusion request may be more appropriate if gambling is causing harm or you are concerned about losing control. Contact the available customer support channel through the website to ask about the options that apply to your account. Do not create another account or use another person’s account during a break or self-exclusion period.

Account controls are not a substitute for professional support. If you are experiencing financial, emotional or relationship difficulties, consider speaking with a qualified support service as early as possible.

Gambling problems can develop gradually, and they can affect anyone. You do not need to have lost a particular amount of money before asking for help. The important question is whether gambling is having a negative effect on your life or whether you are finding it difficult to stop or stay within your limits.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Repeatedly trying to win back losses or feeling unable to stop after a loss.
• Gambling with money set aside for bills, essentials or other commitments.
• Borrowing money, hiding transactions or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Missing work, study, family occasions or personal responsibilities because of gambling.
• Arguing with a partner, family member or friend about gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, low mood or stress after gambling.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to experience the same excitement.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop or take a break.
• Relying on gambling to cope with sadness, loneliness, stress or other difficult feelings.

If any of these signs feel familiar, consider taking a break and speaking with someone you trust. Early support can make it easier to understand what is happening and decide what steps may help. You can also contact a gambling support service in your state or territory, speak with a financial counsellor, or discuss the effects of gambling with a qualified health professional.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide or immediate danger, seek urgent help through Australian emergency services or a crisis support service. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. You can also contact a trusted person and avoid being alone while seeking help.

Support is available for people who gamble as well as partners, family members, friends and other people affected by someone else’s gambling. You do not need to wait until a serious financial loss or relationship crisis occurs. A support service can help you discuss your situation confidentially, understand available options and develop practical steps for reducing or stopping gambling.

Australian players can seek information from recognised gambling support services, including national or state and territory services that provide counselling, information and referral options. Financial counsellors may also assist with budgeting, debts and communication with creditors. A general practitioner or mental health professional can help if gambling is linked with anxiety, depression, stress, substance use or other health concerns.

If you are supporting someone else

• Choose a calm time to raise your concerns and use respectful, non-judgemental language.
• Describe the behaviour you have noticed and how it is affecting you or the family.
• Encourage the person to seek professional support rather than trying to manage the problem alone.
• Protect shared finances and important documents where appropriate, while avoiding actions that may put you at risk.
• Set clear boundaries about money, honesty and the impact gambling may have on your relationship.
• Look after your own wellbeing and seek support for yourself, even if the person who gambles is not ready to get help.

Winmate88 Casino expects accounts to be used only by eligible adults and in accordance with applicable Australian laws. Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not gamble on behalf of someone else. If you believe your account has been accessed by another person, stop using it and contact the website’s available support channel as soon as possible.

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility. Our information is intended to help you make informed choices, but it cannot remove the risks associated with gambling. If gambling no longer feels like entertainment, stop playing, use the account restrictions available to you and seek support.