Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money, solve financial problems or recover losses. Games of chance are unpredictable, and there is no guaranteed strategy, system or result. A win is never certain, and previous outcomes do not change the odds of future play.

Before you begin, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Consider your gambling budget in the same way you would consider the cost of another leisure activity. Only use money that is available for entertainment after essential expenses, debts, savings and other financial commitments have been covered.

A budget should be an amount you can afford to lose without affecting your household, relationships or financial wellbeing. Do not use rent, mortgage payments, bills, school costs or money set aside for essential purchases. Do not borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to fund gambling.

• Gamble only when you are in a suitable frame of mind and can make clear decisions.
• Never gamble when you are angry, distressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Set a time limit before you start and take regular breaks during play.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending and check your activity regularly.
• Accept that losses are part of gambling and do not try to win them back.
• Stop when your planned time or spending limit has been reached.
• Do not gamble to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Treat gambling as a discretionary activity that can be stopped at any time.

Taking a break does not mean you have failed. Pausing play can help you review your habits and decide whether gambling is still a suitable activity for you. If gambling no longer feels enjoyable or controlled, stopping completely and seeking support may be the safest choice.

It can help to make a plan before opening your account or starting a session. Decide in advance what you can afford to spend, how long you intend to play and what you will do when your limit is reached. Writing down these decisions can make them easier to follow when you are distracted or tempted to continue.

Tools to help you stay in control

Responsible gaming tools can help you manage your account and create clear boundaries. Depending on the services available through your account, these may include deposit limits, loss limits, session or time reminders, activity statements, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. These tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when you set them before you play.

Set limits before playing

Choose a gambling budget and a maximum playing time that reflect your circumstances. A limit should be realistic, specific and agreed before a session starts. Avoid changing a limit during play simply because you have lost or want to continue for longer. If you find yourself repeatedly increasing your limits, take a longer break and consider speaking with a qualified support service.

Use breaks and cooling-off periods

A short break can interrupt an impulse to keep playing, while a longer cooling-off period provides more time to reflect on your habits. During a break, leave the gambling environment, do something unrelated and avoid making decisions while feeling pressure to continue. If you need a longer period away, use the available account restrictions or ask customer support about the responsible gaming options that may apply to your account.

Consider self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a set period or indefinitely. If you choose self-exclusion, do not try to open another account, use another person’s account or find ways around the restriction. Tell someone you trust about your decision and remove easy access to gambling where possible. Support from a counsellor can make it easier to maintain your choice.

Review your activity

Regularly review your deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and the reasons you gamble. Looking at this information objectively can help you identify changes that may not be obvious during a session. If the amount of time or money is higher than planned, treat that as a reason to pause and reassess rather than as a reason to continue.

Account controls may take effect according to the relevant process or terms. A limit or restriction should not be treated as a guarantee that gambling will always be harmless. You remain responsible for making informed choices, protecting access to your account and asking for help if you are worried about your behaviour.

If a tool does not appear to be working as expected, stop playing and contact customer support through the available account channels. Do not continue gambling while waiting for a restriction to be applied or a question to be answered. Keep records of your settings and review them regularly so your boundaries continue to reflect your circumstances.

Recognise the signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. It can affect finances, work, study, sleep, physical health, relationships and emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait until a serious problem develops before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to change your habits and protect the people around you.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses or feeling unable to stop after a loss.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or planning your day around it.
• Hiding or minimising how much you gamble from family, friends or others.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty or low when you are not gambling.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or using essential funds to continue playing.
• Selling possessions, taking on debt or asking others to cover gambling costs.
• Neglecting work, study, health, relationships or other interests.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop or take a break.
• Feeling restless or frustrated when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• Chasing losses by increasing the amount or frequency of your bets.

If any of these signs feel familiar, stop playing and speak with someone you trust. A qualified gambling counsellor or recognised Australian support service can provide confidential guidance and help you create a practical plan. You can also speak with your doctor or another health professional about the effect gambling may be having on your wellbeing.

A practical first step may be to tell a trusted person what is happening, ask them to help you set boundaries and remove immediate access to gambling funds. You may also wish to review your account activity, use a cooling-off option or request self-exclusion. Taking more than one step can provide additional support while you decide what help is right for you.

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 seek professional help. Do not lend money to cover gambling losses or take responsibility for managing someone else’s account. Protect your own financial and emotional wellbeing as well.

If gambling is connected with thoughts of self-harm, immediate danger or a serious mental health crisis, seek urgent assistance through local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support provider. Your safety comes first, and help is available.

Account safety, age and personal responsibility

Only people who meet the applicable legal age and other legal requirements may use gambling services. Minors must not create, access or use a gambling account. Parents, carers and account holders should take reasonable steps to prevent children and other unauthorised people from accessing gambling websites, applications, devices or payment methods.

• Keep your username, password and verification information private.
• Use a secure password and do not reuse it on other services where possible.
• Log out after using a shared or public device.
• Use available device controls, content filters and payment restrictions to reduce unintended access.
• Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person’s account.
• Tell customer support promptly if you believe your account has been accessed or used without permission.
• Keep your contact, identity and payment information accurate and up to date.
• Monitor who can access your devices, saved passwords and payment methods.
• Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to observe or participate in gambling activity.

Responsible gaming is a shared effort. Silversands Casino may provide information, account tools and support for managing play, but no tool can replace personal awareness and sound judgement. If you are concerned about your gambling, stop playing, use any available restriction or self-exclusion option and contact a recognised support service or health professional.

For questions about responsible gaming settings or account restrictions, use the customer support channels available through Silversands Casino. Support staff can explain the general options and the steps that may be available. They cannot remove the risks associated with gambling, so make your decision to play only after considering your own circumstances and limits.

If another person asks to use your account or offers to let you use theirs, decline the request. Accounts should be used only by the verified account holder. Sharing account access can create security, privacy and responsible gaming risks, and may make it harder to monitor your own activity.

By choosing to gamble, you should understand that outcomes are uncertain and losses are possible. Set your boundaries before you begin, respect those boundaries while playing and take action early if gambling stops being fun, affordable or manageable.