Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk and outcomes are determined by chance or the rules of the relevant game. There is no guaranteed strategy for winning, and previous results do not predict future results. A win should not be seen as proof that further play will be successful, while a loss should not be treated as something that must be recovered by continuing to gamble.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can comfortably spend. Only use money that is available after essential expenses, savings and other financial commitments have been considered. Never use rent, bills, borrowed money or funds needed for daily living to gamble. If losing the amount would cause stress or difficulty, the amount is too high.

• Set a budget before opening a game and avoid increasing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from household spending and financial obligations.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Accept that losses are part of gambling and do not chase them.
• Remember that gambling is not a suitable source of income.

Responsible gambling also means making informed choices. Read the available game information, understand that each game has its own rules and risks, and make sure you know how your account settings work before depositing or playing. You can stop playing at any time, whether you are winning or losing.

Tools to help you stay in control

Depending on the services and account features available, safer gambling controls may help you manage your activity. These can include deposit limits, spending limits, session reminders, time-outs, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. A limit is most effective when it is set before gambling begins and is treated as a firm boundary rather than a target to increase.

Deposit and spending limits

A deposit or spending limit can restrict the amount added to, or used from, an account during a selected period. Consider setting a limit that reflects your entertainment budget rather than an amount based on what you hope to win. If a limit is changed, the change may not take effect immediately. Check the relevant account information carefully and do not rely on a limit as a substitute for personal judgement.

Time-outs and breaks

A short break can be useful when you notice that gambling is taking more time or attention than planned. Use a time-out or cooling-off option where available, and use the break to step away from gambling completely. Avoid moving to another account or gambling service to continue playing during a break, as this can make it harder to regain control.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for people who want to stop gambling for a defined period or longer. If you choose self-exclusion, do not attempt to bypass it by creating another account, using another person’s account or asking someone else to place bets on your behalf. You may also wish to remove gambling applications, block promotional messages and ask a trusted person to support your decision.

If you need help using an available control, review the account settings and responsible gambling information or contact the relevant support team through the available channels. Requests to restrict or close an account should be made clearly. Account controls are designed to support your decision, but you remain responsible for making safe choices across all gambling services.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It may affect anyone, regardless of age, income or previous experience. You do not need to wait for serious financial or personal harm before asking for help. Speaking to someone early can make it easier to understand what is happening and choose suitable support.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying to win back losses or feeling pressure to keep playing after a loss.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills because of gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when attempting to stop or reduce gambling.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, depression or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling or neglecting work, study or responsibilities.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut back but being unable to do so.

If any of these signs apply to you, stop gambling and consider using a time-out, account closure or self-exclusion option where available. Do not try to solve gambling-related financial problems by gambling more. Speak openly with someone you trust and consider contacting an independent gambling support organisation in your state or territory. These services can provide confidential guidance, practical information and referrals for financial, emotional or counselling support.

If gambling is connected with immediate distress, thoughts of self-harm, threats or personal danger, seek urgent help through appropriate emergency or crisis services in your area. Your safety is more important than your account, a loss or any game result.

Protecting yourself and others

Gambling accounts should be used only by the registered account holder. Keep your login details, payment information and verification documents private. Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person’s account. Protecting access to your account can help prevent unauthorised activity and make it easier to monitor your own gambling.

Gambling is for adults only. Do not allow children or other underage people to access gambling services, even for entertainment or with supervision. Use device passwords, account security settings and appropriate parental controls to help prevent underage access. If you believe that an account may have been used by someone underage or by another person, stop using it and raise the matter through the available account support process.

Be careful with gambling content, promotions and messages. Marketing may encourage you to return or play more often, but you do not have to accept promotional communications. Review the communication settings available on your account and use any unsubscribe or marketing preference options that apply. Promotions should never influence you to spend more than your budget or ignore a limit.

A simple personal plan

1. Choose an entertainment budget that will not affect essential spending.
2. Decide how long each session will last before you start.
3. Set available account limits to match your budget and time plan.
4. Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses so your activity is clear.
5. Take regular breaks and review whether gambling remains enjoyable and affordable.
6. Stop immediately if you feel unable to follow your plan, and use a time-out or self-exclusion option where appropriate.
7. Tell a trusted person about your plan so that you have support and accountability.

Bao Casino encourages players to make responsible choices and to seek independent help whenever gambling no longer feels enjoyable or manageable. Account restrictions, breaks and support are available to help you protect your wellbeing. If you choose to gamble, do so within your means, understand the risks and remember that stopping is always an option.