Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling enjoyable and within your limits

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat this amount as an entertainment expense, similar to the cost of another leisure activity. Only use money that is available after essential expenses such as housing, food, bills, education, transport and debt repayments have been covered. Never gamble with money set aside for everyday needs or future commitments.

A budget is most useful when it is decided before gambling begins. Consider setting a spending limit for each session, week or month, and avoid increasing that limit while you are playing. A time limit can also help you maintain balance. Using an alarm, taking regular breaks and stepping away from the account can make it easier to stay aware of how long you have been gambling.

• Gamble only for entertainment and never as a source of income.
• Set a personal money limit before you start and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing for longer.
• Avoid gambling when you are angry, upset, tired, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for other purposes or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses so that your activity remains clear.

Gambling outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the relevant game. Previous results do not guarantee future results, and a loss does not make a win more likely. Systems, patterns and betting strategies cannot remove the risks involved. Set limits based on what you can comfortably afford to lose, rather than on an expectation of winning.

It is also important to understand the rules and costs connected with an activity before taking part. Read the available game information, account conditions and transaction information carefully. If you do not understand a rule or feature, pause before continuing and seek clarification through the appropriate support channel.

Recognising when gambling may be becoming a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, experience or personal circumstances. It may develop gradually, and some people do not recognise the impact until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, work, study or wellbeing. Noticing changes early can make it easier to take action.

The following signs may indicate that gambling is no longer staying within healthy boundaries. One sign on its own does not provide a diagnosis, but several signs together should be taken seriously.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you originally planned.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling more often or placing larger bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or uncomfortable when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently during work, study, family time or sleep.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account information from people close to you.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using savings to continue gambling.
• Gambling to cope with stress, sadness, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, health, relationships or ordinary responsibilities.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to stop.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or loss of control after gambling.

If any of these signs sound familiar, consider taking a break immediately rather than waiting for the situation to improve by itself. Review your recent activity, use available account controls and speak with someone you trust. You do not need to wait until a serious financial or personal problem has developed before asking for help.

If gambling is causing distress, conflict, debt or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent assistance from an appropriate health or crisis service in Australia. In an immediate emergency, contact emergency services. Gambling support services can provide confidential guidance and can help you consider practical next steps without judgement.

Safer gambling tools and account controls

Account controls can help you put your plans into practice. Depending on the features available for your account and applicable requirements, you may be able to set or request deposit limits, spending limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods or a temporary break from gambling. These tools are intended to support your decisions, but they work best when selected before gambling begins.

A limit should be realistic and based on your personal circumstances. It should not be treated as a target or an amount that you are expected to spend. If your financial circumstances change, review your plan and consider reducing your limit or taking a longer break. Increasing a limit while feeling frustrated, excited or focused on recovering losses can make it harder to remain in control.

Taking a break

A temporary break can be useful if you feel distracted by gambling, have exceeded your intended budget or simply want time away from your account. During a break, remove gambling applications or shortcuts from your devices, avoid gambling-related advertising where possible and spend time on other activities. Tell a trusted person about your decision if accountability would help.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger option for people who want to stop gambling for a defined period or indefinitely. When self-exclusion is requested or activated, access to relevant gambling services may be restricted in accordance with the applicable process and requirements. Read the terms of the self-exclusion arrangement carefully, including its duration, scope and any steps required to apply.

If you have self-excluded or decided to stop, do not try to create another account, use another person’s account or find ways around the restriction. Those actions can undermine your plan and may breach applicable account conditions. If you are concerned that you may continue gambling despite a break or self-exclusion, contact an independent gambling support service for practical help.

1. Review your recent gambling activity and identify the times, triggers or situations that make control more difficult.
2. Choose an appropriate limit, cooling-off period or self-exclusion option.
3. Confirm the effect of the selected control before continuing to gamble.
4. Remove easy access to gambling and consider asking a trusted person to support your plan.
5. Seek professional or independent support if you are finding it difficult to maintain the break.

Support, privacy and our approach

You can seek help from an independent gambling support organisation, a qualified health professional, a financial counsellor or a trusted person. Australian support services may offer confidential advice about gambling behaviour, relationships, emotional wellbeing, debt and practical safety planning. The right type of support depends on your circumstances, and you may choose to use more than one source of assistance.

If you are supporting someone else, approach the conversation calmly and without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to obtain independent advice. You cannot control another person’s gambling, but you can set boundaries around shared finances, refuse to provide funds for gambling and protect your own wellbeing. If there are concerns about safety, financial abuse or immediate harm, seek appropriate professional assistance.

Bonzawin Casino may provide responsible gambling information, account features and processes designed to help players manage their activity. These measures do not guarantee that gambling will be risk-free, and they do not replace personal judgement or professional support. We may take reasonable steps where concerns about gambling behaviour, account use, identity, age or safety arise, subject to applicable requirements and account terms.

Players should use their own account, keep account credentials private and provide accurate information when requested. Do not allow another person to gamble through your account, and do not allow anyone else to access your payment methods. These practices help protect your account and make it easier to monitor your own gambling activity.

Personal information connected with responsible gambling enquiries or account controls will be handled in accordance with the applicable privacy information and legal requirements. We aim to treat requests sensitively and respectfully. If you want to reduce or stop gambling, you can take action without waiting for a problem to become more serious.

Gambling should remain one optional leisure activity among many. If it is no longer enjoyable, affordable or easy to control, stop playing and seek support. Taking a break is a responsible decision, and asking for help is a sign that you are taking your wellbeing seriously.