Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment, in the same way you might budget for a meal, a film or another leisure activity. Only use money that is available after essential expenses, and never use borrowed money, credit intended for bills or funds needed for rent, food, utilities or other commitments.

Casino games are based on chance. Previous results do not change the outcome of a future game, and a win is never guaranteed. A losing run does not mean that a win is due, while a winning run does not mean that future results will continue in the same way. Strategies, systems or patterns cannot remove the element of chance from casino games.

Gambling should not be used as a source of income, a solution to debt or a way to recover money that has already been lost. Chasing losses often leads to larger bets, longer sessions and decisions that may not reflect your original plans. If you notice that you are playing to win back losses, stop and take time away from gambling.

Simple rules for safer play

• Set a spending amount before you start and do not increase it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending and savings.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not gamble to impress other people or because someone is pressuring you to play.
• Avoid trying to win back losses by increasing your stake or playing for longer.
• Keep your account details private and do not let other people use your account.
• Review your gambling activity regularly so you can identify changes in your habits.

If gambling is no longer enjoyable, feels difficult to control or is affecting your finances and relationships, consider taking a break and seeking independent support. Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone. It is not defined only by how much money is spent. The amount of time spent gambling, the effect on your mood, and the impact on work, study, family or personal relationships are also important. Some people may experience difficulties gradually, while others may notice a sudden change after a stressful event.

Possible warning signs

• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it hard to focus on other activities.
• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Increasing the amount you bet to achieve the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or uncomfortable when trying to cut back.
• Making repeated attempts to stop or reduce gambling without success.
• Chasing losses or returning soon after a loss to try to recover money.
• Hiding gambling activity, account transactions or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills because of gambling.
• Using gambling to escape sadness, anxiety, boredom, loneliness or other problems.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about your gambling.
• Feeling regret, shame, guilt or distress after playing, but continuing to gamble.

One warning sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling problem, but several signs together may indicate that a change is needed. Consider speaking with someone you trust or an independent gambling support service in your state or territory. Support is confidential and is available whether you gamble occasionally or frequently.

If you are worried about another person, try to raise the subject calmly and without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek professional advice. You should not take responsibility for controlling another person’s gambling, and you should protect your own finances and wellbeing.

Tools to help you stay in control

Planning your gambling before you play can help you make decisions when you are calm rather than reacting during a session. Depending on the features available on the website and the requirements that apply to your account, safer gambling tools may help you manage deposits, spending, session time or access to your account.

Consider using the following measures

1. Set a budget for gambling and record your deposits, bets and withdrawals so you have a clear view of your activity.
2. Set a time reminder before you begin, and leave the website when your planned session ends.
3. Use available deposit, spending or account limits rather than relying only on willpower.
4. Take regular cooling-off breaks if you feel focused on gambling or are finding it hard to stop.
5. Remove saved payment details where appropriate and avoid keeping large gambling funds in your account.
6. Do not use more than one account to avoid limits or continue playing during a break.
7. Turn off gambling-related notifications if they encourage you to return when you did not plan to play.
8. Ask a trusted person to help you review your budget and keep you accountable.

Limits are most effective when they are set before a session begins. A limit should be realistic, affordable and based on your personal circumstances. It should never be set at an amount that would affect essential expenses. If a limit no longer feels appropriate, reduce your gambling and seek support rather than simply increasing the limit.

A break from gambling can be useful even when you do not believe you have a serious problem. You can use a break to review your spending, consider how gambling affects your mood and decide whether you want to continue. If you need stronger protection, ask customer support about the account restriction and self-exclusion options available to you. These options may restrict access for a selected period or until further review, subject to the applicable process.

You can also consider practical steps outside the website. Remove gambling applications from devices, use device or browser blocking tools, avoid gambling-related advertising where possible and keep your finances separate from your gambling decisions. These steps can work alongside account tools and professional support.

Getting help and protecting your account

If you think gambling is affecting your life, you do not need to wait until the situation becomes serious. Speak with a qualified counsellor, a health professional or an independent gambling support service available in Australia. Support services can help you understand your gambling, prepare a plan, manage financial stress and talk through the effect on your relationships. You may also ask a trusted family member or friend to support you while you take practical steps.

When contacting Winport Casino, use the customer support channel made available through the website and clearly explain whether you want information about limits, a cooling-off period, account restrictions or self-exclusion. Customer support may be able to explain the available process and direct you to relevant information. Customer support cannot remove the chance element from games or guarantee that you will stop gambling, so independent support may also be appropriate.

Account and personal safety

• Only create or use an account if you meet the applicable minimum age and eligibility requirements.
• Do not allow anyone else to access or operate your account.
• Keep passwords, verification information and payment details secure.
• Tell customer support if you believe another person has used your account.
• Review account activity and transaction records for anything you do not recognise.
• Do not attempt to open another account while a restriction or self-exclusion is active.
• If you are under the applicable legal gambling age, do not use the website or create an account.

Parents and carers can reduce the risk of underage access by keeping devices, passwords and payment methods secure, supervising shared devices and discussing the risks of online gambling. Gambling websites should not be used by children or anyone who is not legally permitted to gamble.

If you feel unable to control your gambling, stop playing, log out and contact an independent support service or health professional. If gambling has contributed to an immediate risk to your safety or the safety of someone else, contact emergency services in your location. Responsible gambling is an ongoing process: set boundaries, monitor your behaviour and seek help whenever those boundaries become difficult to maintain.