Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed result. Every game is based on chance or other relevant game conditions, and past results do not predict future outcomes. A win is never certain, and a losing session cannot be corrected by continuing to play. You should only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose after essential household, living and financial commitments have been met.

Responsible gambling means making decisions before you play and following those decisions while you play. Consider your gambling spend in the same way as any other leisure expense. It should come from a planned entertainment budget and should not come from rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, medical expenses, school costs or money set aside for important obligations.

• Be an adult aged 18 or over and comply with all applicable Australian laws and requirements.
• Decide how much money and time you are prepared to spend before starting a session.
• Keep gambling separate from essential spending, savings and borrowed money.
• Never view gambling as employment, an investment or a reliable source of income.
• Accept that losses are part of gambling and cannot be chased or guaranteed to return.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Keep your account information secure and do not allow another person to gamble using your account.

If gambling stops feeling like an optional form of entertainment, it may be time to pause. You do not need to wait for serious financial or personal harm before seeking information or support. Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control.

Plan your limits before you play

Set a money limit

Choose a maximum amount for a day, week or other period that suits your circumstances. Once that amount has been reached, stop gambling. Do not increase the limit during a session because you are losing, feeling confident or hoping for a particular result. A limit should be realistic, affordable and agreed before play begins.

Set a time limit

Decide how long you will play and use reminders or breaks to help you keep to that plan. Avoid long, uninterrupted sessions. Stand up, leave the screen, attend to other activities and review whether you still want to continue. Gambling should not replace sleep, work, study, exercise, family time or other interests.

Keep track of your activity

Review your deposits, withdrawals, playing time and overall spending regularly. Looking at the full picture can be more useful than focusing on individual wins or losses. If the amount of time or money is higher than planned, treat that as a reason to stop and reassess rather than a reason to continue.

1. Set your budget using money left after essential expenses.
2. Choose a session length and decide when you will take breaks.
3. Avoid increasing your budget or borrowing money during play.
4. Stop at the planned time, whether the session has resulted in a win or a loss.
5. Review your choices later, when you are away from the excitement of the game.

Where account control features are available, you may be able to use options such as deposit restrictions, spending or loss limits, session reminders, time-outs or self-exclusion. The availability, operation and duration of these features can depend on the service, account settings and applicable requirements. Read the relevant information carefully and contact the available support channel if you need help understanding an option.

Recognise warning signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and different people experience different warning signs. A concern may be present even when gambling has not yet caused a major financial loss. Pay attention to changes in your thoughts, behaviour, relationships, work, study and spending.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you originally intended.
• Trying to win back losses by continuing to gamble or increasing the amount at risk.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from people close to you.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using credit to fund gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments, sleep or family commitments because of gambling.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anxiety or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with family or friends about gambling or withdrawing from normal activities.
• Neglecting bills, savings, health or other responsibilities because of gambling.
• Believing that a big win is due or that a special strategy can remove the risk.
• Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety or distress after gambling but continuing to play.
• Attempting to stop or cut back several times without being able to do so.

One warning sign may be enough to justify taking a break and talking with someone you trust. If several signs apply, consider stopping gambling and seeking support from a qualified gambling counsellor or an appropriate Australian community or health service. Support is available for people who gamble as well as partners, family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling.

Do not chase losses

Chasing losses means gambling more or for longer in an attempt to recover money that has already been lost. It can quickly increase financial and emotional pressure. Losses are not owed back to you, and no game can guarantee recovery. The safest response to a loss is to stop, review your budget and take time away from gambling.

Taking a break and finding support

If you are worried about your gambling, consider taking an immediate break rather than waiting until you feel ready to make a permanent decision. You can stop using the service, remove gambling applications or shortcuts from your devices, avoid gambling-related content and ask a trusted person to help you stay accountable. Where available, request a time-out or self-exclusion and follow the instructions provided for that process.

Talking openly can reduce the pressure of dealing with the issue alone. Choose someone you trust, such as a partner, family member, friend, doctor or counsellor. Explain what has been happening and what practical help you need. This might include support with budgeting, access to accounts, attending an appointment or keeping to a break from gambling.

• Contact an Australian gambling support service, health professional or community counselling provider.
• Speak with a financial counsellor if gambling has affected bills, debts, credit or savings.
• Ask a trusted person to help you create a spending plan and monitor progress.
• Use available account restrictions or self-exclusion arrangements where appropriate.
• Remove access to saved payment methods and avoid carrying extra funds for gambling.
• Keep a written record of your reasons for stopping and review it when urges arise.
• Replace gambling time with planned activities, exercise, social contact or other interests.

Support and account controls are not a substitute for professional advice. A qualified counsellor or health professional can help you understand the reasons behind gambling urges and develop a plan that fits your circumstances. Family members and friends can also seek guidance about setting boundaries, protecting household finances and supporting someone without taking responsibility for their choices.

If you are in immediate danger

If gambling has contributed to an immediate risk to your safety, the safety of another person or your ability to meet essential needs, move away from gambling and seek urgent assistance. Contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis and health service in Australia. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate professional help and stay with someone you trust where possible.

Liberty Slots Casino provides general responsible gaming information, but it cannot assess your personal circumstances or provide medical, financial or legal advice. The most important step is to be honest about your gambling, act early and use the support available to you. Gambling should remain a controlled leisure activity, and choosing not to gamble is always a valid decision.