Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are based on chance or other uncertain outcomes, so losses can happen even when you have a strategy or previous winning results. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses and other financial commitments have been covered.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as an entertainment cost rather than an investment. Never use gambling to pay bills, cover debts, replace income or improve your financial position. A win is not guaranteed, and trying to recover losses can lead to further losses.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a gambling budget before you start and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from gambling.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, food, utilities, savings or debt repayments.
• Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or under pressure.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer.
• Remember that past results do not predict future results.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family, friends and other activities.

It is also important to understand that a gambling account should be used only by the account holder. Keep your login details secure and do not allow another person to gamble using your account. If you are under the applicable legal age, you must not gamble.

Tools and limits for safer gambling

Depending on the services and controls available on your account, you may be able to use responsible gambling features to help manage your play. These features can support your decisions, but they are most effective when you choose limits before gambling and follow them consistently.

Consider setting personal limits

• Deposit limits to control the amount added to your account over a selected period.
• Wagering or spending limits to help manage the amount used for play.
• Session or time reminders to make it easier to notice how long you have been gambling.
• Loss limits to set a maximum amount you are prepared to lose.
• Time-out options for a short break from gambling.
• Self-exclusion options for a longer period when you want to stop gambling.

Read the information shown for each available control before confirming it. A limit may apply only to a particular activity, account balance or period, and some changes may not take effect immediately. Limits should be treated as a personal safeguard, not as a guarantee that gambling will remain affordable.

If you decide that you need a break, make the break meaningful. Do not open another account, use another person's account or look for ways around a restriction. If you have chosen self-exclusion or believe you may be losing control, contact the relevant support team through the available account or website channels and seek independent help.

Check your account activity

Review your deposits, withdrawals, bets and time spent gambling regularly. Looking at your activity can help you identify patterns that may be difficult to notice while playing. If the amount of time or money is higher than planned, pause gambling and reassess whether it is still suitable for you.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Gambling can become harmful gradually. A person may initially believe they are managing their play, but changes in behaviour, finances, mood or relationships can indicate that extra support is needed. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Warning signs may include thinking about gambling frequently, feeling restless when trying to stop, gambling for longer than intended or increasing the amount spent to achieve the same excitement. It may also be concerning if you repeatedly try and fail to cut back, hide your gambling, lie about your activity or miss work, study and family commitments.

• Chasing losses or believing a big win will solve financial problems.
• Borrowing money or using credit to continue gambling.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty or low after gambling.
• Neglecting relationships, responsibilities, sleep or personal care.
• Spending more time or money than you planned.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Selling belongings or delaying important payments because of gambling.
• Keeping gambling secret from people you trust.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to stop.
• Feeling unable to control or limit your gambling.

One or more of these signs does not mean that you have a particular condition, but it is a reason to take your concerns seriously. Stop or reduce gambling, use any available restriction tools and speak with a qualified health professional or gambling support service. An independent person can help you understand what is happening and plan practical next steps.

Getting help and supporting someone else

If gambling is affecting your finances, health, work, study or relationships, support is available. You can speak with a doctor, counsellor, psychologist, financial counsellor or recognised gambling-help service in Australia. These services can offer confidential information, emotional support and practical guidance about reducing or stopping gambling.

You may also choose to talk with someone you trust. Explain what has been happening and ask them to help you keep to your limits, review your finances or take a break from gambling. You do not have to manage the situation alone. If you feel overwhelmed or believe you may harm yourself or someone else, seek urgent assistance from local emergency or crisis services.

If you are concerned about another person

Approach the conversation calmly and choose a private time. Focus on what you have noticed and how it affects you, rather than blaming or shaming the person. Encourage them to consider a break and seek professional support. You cannot control another adult's gambling, but you can set boundaries around money, shared accounts and behaviour that affects your household.

1. Choose a calm time to talk and allow the person to explain their experience.
2. Use clear, respectful language and describe specific concerns.
3. Encourage the person to use account restrictions and seek independent support.
4. Protect shared finances and avoid repeatedly paying gambling debts without a plan.
5. Look after your own wellbeing and seek support for yourself if needed.

Hollywood Aus Casino supports informed and responsible decisions about gambling. If you have concerns about your gambling or need information about the responsible gaming options available on your account, use the support or account channels provided on the website. Please do not rely on gambling to improve your financial situation, and remember that choosing not to gamble is always an available option.

Your responsible gaming checklist

Use the following checklist before and during each gambling session. If you cannot answer yes to the important questions, take a break and reconsider whether gambling is right for you at that time.

• Have I set a realistic budget that does not affect essential expenses?
• Can I accept losing the full amount I plan to spend?
• Have I set a time limit and planned another activity afterwards?
• Am I gambling because I want entertainment, rather than to escape a problem?
• Am I sober, calm and able to make clear decisions?
• Will I stop when I reach my time or money limit?
• Have I avoided borrowing money or using credit to gamble?
• Would I feel comfortable being honest about this gambling with someone I trust?
• Do I know how to take a break or apply a restriction if I need one?

Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Review your habits regularly, adjust your limits when your circumstances change and act early if gambling begins to cause concern. Taking a break, reducing play or stopping altogether are positive steps that can protect your wellbeing.