Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Responsible gaming means staying in control of how, when and why you gamble. Before playing, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost, similar to spending on a meal, film or other leisure activity. Only use money that is available after essential living costs, regular commitments and savings have been considered.

Gambling outcomes are based on chance. No strategy can guarantee a win, and previous results do not determine what will happen next. A win does not mean that another win is due, while a loss is not something that can be recovered by continuing to play. Avoid viewing gambling as an income source, investment or solution to financial pressure.

If you are in Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to gamble. Do not allow anyone under the legal age to use your account or watch you play in a way that gives them access to gambling activity. Keep your account details private and take reasonable steps to prevent other people, particularly children, from using your device or payment methods.

Simple habits that can help

• Set a spending limit before you start and do not increase it during a gambling session.
• Set a time limit and use reminders to help you finish on time.
• Take regular breaks, particularly during longer sessions.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape other problems.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household money, rent, bills and credit repayments.
• Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.
• Avoid chasing losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Keep a record of your gambling activity if this helps you understand your spending and time.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling is becoming difficult to manage.

Set limits and use account controls

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to stay within your personal boundaries. Consider setting both a money limit and a time limit before each session. A limit should be realistic, affordable and based on your overall budget. It should never be treated as a target that you must spend.

Account controls may be available to help you manage your activity. Depending on the features offered through your account, these may include deposit limits, loss or spending limits, session reminders, time-out options, account restrictions or a longer-term self-exclusion request. Read the information shown when selecting a control so you understand how it works and when it takes effect.

A limit is useful only when it reflects what you can genuinely afford. If you find yourself regularly changing, cancelling or trying to work around a limit, this may indicate that gambling is becoming harder to control. Consider stopping play and asking for support rather than raising the limit.

Taking a break or closing an account

You can choose to take a short break from gambling or request a longer period away. If you believe gambling is causing harm, consider asking for a self-exclusion or account closure rather than relying only on willpower. During a break, remove gambling applications or shortcuts, avoid gambling-related advertising where possible, and ask a trusted person to support your decision.

If you request an account restriction, follow the instructions provided through the relevant account or support process. Do not create another account or use another person's account to get around a restriction. If you are concerned about your ability to stop, seek independent help as soon as possible.

• Choose a limit before playing rather than after money has already been spent.
• Use a time-out when you feel distracted, frustrated or tempted to chase losses.
• Consider a longer break if short breaks are not enough.
• Ask someone you trust to help you stay accountable.
• Do not share login details or payment access with another person.
• Contact the available support channel if you need help understanding account controls.

Recognise the warning signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and some people may not recognise the effect it is having until financial, emotional or relationship difficulties appear. There is no need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. If gambling is causing concern for you or someone close to you, speaking with a qualified support service can be a useful first step.

Possible signs of gambling harm

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss, often by increasing the amount or duration of play.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other responsibilities.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family, friends or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing bills because of gambling.
• Selling belongings or using money set aside for essential needs.
• Gambling to cope with sadness, stress, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, health, relationships or family responsibilities.
• Continuing to gamble even though it is causing arguments, financial problems or emotional distress.
• Feeling regret after gambling but returning to play soon afterwards.
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts to experience the same excitement.

These signs do not provide a diagnosis, but they may show that additional support is appropriate. Consider stopping gambling, applying an account restriction and speaking with a gambling support professional. Support is also available for family members, friends and others affected by someone else's gambling.

Practical steps if you are concerned

1. Stop gambling and move away from the device or website.
2. Do not try to recover losses by playing again.
3. Review your recent spending and identify any urgent bills or financial commitments.
4. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you stay away from gambling.
5. Use available time-out, self-exclusion or account closure options.
6. Contact an independent gambling support service in your state or territory.
7. If gambling has created serious financial pressure, speak with a qualified financial counsellor.
8. If you feel unsafe or are experiencing an immediate crisis, contact emergency or crisis support services in your area.

Support, privacy and safer play

Independent support can help you understand your gambling, make a plan and manage related financial or personal issues. You do not have to handle the situation alone, and asking for help does not mean you have failed. Look for a recognised gambling counselling or support service available in your state or territory. These services can explain confidential options and may also assist partners, family members and friends.

A financial counsellor may help you review debts, protect essential income and plan next steps. A qualified health professional may help if gambling is connected with anxiety, depression, stress, substance use or another personal concern. When contacting a support service, describe the type of help you need and ask about the privacy arrangements that apply.

Vegastars Casino expects players to use their own account and to keep account information secure. Never let another person gamble through your account, and do not gamble on behalf of someone else. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the available account security process.

Marketing messages can be managed through the communication preferences available for your account, where applicable. You can also reduce exposure to gambling advertising by adjusting device settings, email preferences and other services you use. Limiting marketing will not by itself stop gambling, so combine this step with spending limits, time-outs or professional support when needed.

Our approach

Responsible gaming information is provided to support informed choices. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical or counselling advice. Rules, support services and account options can vary according to where you live and the services available to you. Check the requirements that apply in your location and use independent assistance whenever gambling is affecting your wellbeing, finances, relationships or daily responsibilities.

The safest choice for some people is not to gamble. If you decide to play, stay within limits you can afford, take breaks and stop when gambling is no longer enjoyable or controlled. You can review your choices at any time and seek support without waiting for the situation to become more serious.