Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Before you play, decide how gambling will fit into your entertainment budget. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential costs such as housing, food, utilities, transport and other financial commitments have been covered. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win.

Treat any money spent on gambling as the cost of entertainment. Do not view gambling as an investment, a source of regular income or a solution to debt. A win is never guaranteed, and previous results do not influence the outcome of a future game. Trying to recover losses by continuing to play can increase risk and may lead to further losses.

Plan before you play

• Set a spending amount for gambling and do not exceed it.
• Decide how long you intend to play before starting.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for daily living.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell belongings to fund gambling.
• Never chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer than planned.

A clear plan can make it easier to recognise when a session has reached its limit. If you find that it is difficult to follow your own plan, stop playing and consider using a longer break or a formal restriction.

Safer gambling tools and personal limits

Setting personal limits before gambling can help you maintain control. Depending on the service and the options available to you, safer gambling tools may include deposit, spending, loss or time limits, reality checks, session reminders and temporary breaks. These tools are intended to support your decisions, but they work best when you choose limits that reflect your real circumstances and follow them consistently.

Choose limits that are realistic

A limit should be based on your disposable entertainment budget rather than your available account balance. Consider your regular income, financial commitments and any upcoming expenses. If a limit feels difficult to set, or if you regularly reach it sooner than expected, this may be a sign that gambling is taking up more time or money than you intended.

1. Decide the maximum amount you are comfortable spending over a chosen period.
2. Set a maximum playing time and take regular breaks away from the screen.
3. Review your gambling activity rather than relying on memory.
4. Do not raise a limit during a session because of a loss or a strong desire to continue.
5. If you reach a limit, stop playing and wait until the relevant period has ended.
6. Ask the available customer support team about safer gambling options if you are unsure how to use them.

A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling without making a permanent decision. If you feel that a short break is not enough, ask about longer restrictions or self-exclusion options that may apply to your account or the relevant service. A self-exclusion arrangement is a serious commitment to stop gambling for an agreed period, so consider it carefully and follow the instructions provided.

Deleting payment details, removing gambling applications, blocking gambling-related advertising and asking a trusted person to support your plan may also help. These steps should complement, not replace, formal limits or professional assistance where those are needed.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It can develop gradually, and a person may not notice the change until gambling has begun to interfere with everyday life. There is no need to wait for a major financial loss before taking action.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you are not gambling.
• Increasing your stakes because previous amounts no longer feel exciting.
• Trying to win back money that has already been lost.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account information from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling possessions to continue gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or money.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, ashamed or low after playing.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Being unable to stop or take a break even when you want to.
• Using money set aside for rent, bills, food or other essential needs.

One warning sign does not automatically mean that someone has a gambling problem, but several signs should be taken seriously. Consider stopping play, applying a restriction and speaking with someone you trust. Support is available even if you are unsure whether your gambling has become harmful.

If gambling is causing serious financial or emotional distress, seek help from an Australian gambling support service, a qualified counsellor, a doctor or another trusted health professional. Financial counsellors may also help with budgeting and debt concerns. If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or seek urgent help.

Taking a break or stopping gambling

Taking a break is a positive step, not a failure. You can stop playing at any time, whether you want to clear your head, review your spending or make a longer-term change. A break can be more effective when it includes practical steps that reduce access and remove reminders to gamble.

Steps that may help

• Log out and close any open gambling sessions.
• Use available account restrictions, time-outs or self-exclusion arrangements.
• Remove saved payment methods and avoid keeping gambling funds readily available.
• Tell a trusted family member or friend that you are taking a break.
• Write down the reasons for stopping and keep them somewhere visible.
• Plan alternative activities for times when you would normally gamble.
• Review your bank statements and create a realistic spending plan.
• Seek confidential support if urges continue or stopping feels difficult.

If you have requested a restriction or self-exclusion, do not attempt to work around it by opening another account, using another person’s account or asking someone else to gamble on your behalf. These actions can undermine your plan and may breach applicable terms or legal requirements. Ask the relevant support team for guidance if you are uncertain about the next step.

Friends and family can provide useful support by listening without judgement, helping with practical barriers and encouraging professional assistance. They should not lend money for gambling or take responsibility for managing every aspect of another person’s finances without appropriate advice.

Age, account safety and further support

Gambling is restricted to adults. You must be at least 18 years old to use an online gambling service in Australia. Do not allow anyone under 18 to access your account, device or payment method. Parents and carers should use appropriate device, payment and account controls to help prevent children from accessing gambling content.

Keep your account credentials private and use a secure password. Do not share your login details with friends, family members or other players. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and contact the available support team through the service’s official channels. Never provide account details to an unverified person claiming to represent a gambling service.

Getting help

You do not have to manage gambling concerns alone. Australian players can seek confidential assistance from recognised gambling support organisations, financial counsellors, mental health professionals, medical practitioners or community services. A trusted friend or family member can also be a useful first point of contact. These services can help with urges to gamble, financial stress, relationship concerns and plans to reduce or stop gambling.

For questions about safer gambling tools, account restrictions or available break options, use the official support channels shown on the Scr55 Casino website. Support can explain the options that may apply to your account and the steps required to use them. No support conversation can guarantee a gambling outcome, so do not rely on gambling to improve your financial position.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Review your limits regularly, pay attention to how gambling affects your life and act early if your behaviour changes. If gambling is no longer fun or feels difficult to control, the safest decision may be to stop and seek support.