Responsible Gaming

What responsible gaming means

Responsible gaming means making deliberate decisions about whether, when and how you gamble. It includes understanding that gambling outcomes are uncertain, accepting that losses can occur and keeping gambling within limits that are affordable for you. It also means taking breaks, avoiding impulsive decisions and being prepared to stop when gambling is no longer fun or feels difficult to control.

There is no guaranteed strategy for winning. Games are based on chance or other uncertain outcomes, and previous results do not determine what happens next. A winning session does not mean that another win is due, and a losing session cannot be corrected by continuing to play. Never chase losses by increasing your stakes, playing for longer or using money that is needed for everyday expenses.

Gambling should only take place when you are legally permitted to do so and in accordance with the rules that apply to your location. You should not gamble if you are under the applicable legal age, if gambling is restricted where you are located or if you are affected by alcohol, drugs or strong emotions that may affect your judgement.

Before you start

• Decide how much money and time you can afford to spend before you begin.
• Treat any amount used for gambling as an entertainment cost, not as an investment.
• Use money that is separate from rent, bills, food, loan repayments and other essential expenses.
• Consider how you will respond if you lose the amount you planned to spend.
• Avoid gambling to escape stress, boredom, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Tell someone you trust about the limits you have chosen if that may help you keep to them.

Set limits and stay in control

Personal limits are easier to follow when they are decided before gambling starts. Consider setting a spending limit for each session, day, week or month, as well as a time limit. Choose an amount that you can lose without affecting your household budget or financial commitments. Do not change a limit in the moment because you are trying to recover losses or extend a winning session.

Where available, account or player protection tools may help you manage your activity. Depending on the service and the requirements that apply to your account, these tools may include deposit limits, loss limits, spending limits, session reminders, reality checks, temporary breaks or account closure. Availability, settings and processing requirements can vary, so review the information provided with the relevant tool before using it.

Practical ways to manage your play

• Set a budget before opening a game and stop when that budget has been used.
• Set a time reminder and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a simple record of deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses and time spent playing.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for other purposes or sell possessions to gamble.
• Do not rely on winnings to pay bills, cover debts or meet regular living costs.
• Avoid increasing stakes after a loss or continuing solely because you have been winning.
• Keep gambling separate from financial planning and never describe it as a reliable income source.
• Disable or reduce access to payment methods if doing so helps you follow your plan.
• Avoid gambling on multiple services at the same time if this makes your total activity harder to track.
• Take a break if you feel tired, upset, pressured or unable to make a calm decision.

If you cannot stay within a limit, treat that as useful information rather than a reason to set a higher limit. Stop playing, review what happened and consider using a longer break or a self-exclusion option. A limit is intended to support your decisions, not to encourage you to spend up to the maximum amount.

Recognise when gambling may be causing harm

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually. A person may continue gambling even when it affects their finances, relationships, work, studies, health or emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait for a crisis before taking action, and you do not need to prove that your gambling is severe before seeking confidential support.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling again or increasing the amount staked.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or statements from family or friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or take a break.
• Thinking about gambling during work, study, sleep or time with other people.
• Borrowing money, using savings or missing bills because of gambling.
• Selling items, taking out credit or asking others for money to continue playing.
• Gambling to cope with stress, sadness, anger, loneliness or other personal problems.
• Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, health or regular activities.
• Feeling regret, shame or distress after gambling but returning to play soon afterwards.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back without being able to do so.
• Believing that a particular result, ritual or system can guarantee a win.

One warning sign may be enough to pause and review your gambling. If several signs apply, stop playing and speak with someone you trust or a qualified gambling support service. Support is available for people who gamble as well as for partners, family members and friends who may be affected.

If you are concerned

1. Stop gambling for the moment and avoid making further deposits or bets.
2. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you stay accountable.
3. Review your recent activity and identify situations, times or emotions that lead to gambling.
4. Use available limits, breaks, blocking measures or self-exclusion arrangements.
5. Contact a recognised gambling support service in your state or territory for confidential guidance.
6. Speak with a financial counsellor if gambling has affected bills, debts, savings or other commitments.
7. Seek medical or mental health support if gambling is connected with anxiety, depression, substance use or other concerns.

Breaks, self-exclusion and getting support

A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling without making a permanent decision. A self-exclusion arrangement is a stronger protective step that restricts access for a chosen period or under the terms that apply to the relevant service. Before selecting an option, read how it works, when it begins, how long it lasts and whether it applies to one account or to other gambling services as well.

If you want to take a break, close an account or request self-exclusion, use the responsible gaming or account support process made available by the service. Do not create another account or use another person’s account to avoid a restriction. Tell the support team if you need help applying a protective measure. Any request may be subject to identity, account security and applicable legal requirements.

If someone in your household is affected by your gambling, listen to their concerns and consider practical safeguards around money and access. You may wish to involve a trusted family member, financial counsellor or support professional. Do not respond to financial pressure by gambling more, and do not ask another person to gamble or deposit funds on your behalf.

Where to find help

Australian players can seek confidential help from a recognised gambling support service in their state or territory, a qualified counsellor, a financial counselling service or a mental health professional. These services can help you understand your options, make a plan, manage financial impacts and support conversations with family members. You can seek help even if you have not decided to stop permanently.

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, violence or immediate danger, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance from local emergency services or a crisis support service. If you are concerned about another person’s immediate safety, do not leave them alone if it is safe to stay with them, and obtain urgent professional help.

Bitdreams Casino encourages players to make informed choices and to ask for assistance early. Responsible gaming information is general in nature and does not replace professional financial, legal, medical or mental health advice. If gambling is affecting your life, taking a pause and speaking with an appropriate support service is a positive first step.