Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Before you play, decide how gambling fits into your budget and your free time. Treat any money spent as an entertainment expense rather than an investment. Gambling outcomes are determined by chance, and there is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can make a win more likely over time. A previous result does not predict the next result, and a losing session does not create an obligation or opportunity to keep playing.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Never use rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, food money, loan repayments or money set aside for important commitments. Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling. Keeping gambling funds separate from everyday finances can make it easier to see what you are spending and maintain control.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before you begin and avoid increasing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a simple record of deposits, bets, withdrawals and time spent playing.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to escape a problem.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family, exercise and other activities.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if you feel your gambling is becoming difficult to manage.

Gambling is not a suitable way to earn income, pay debts or solve financial problems. If you are gambling in the hope of changing your financial situation, consider stopping and seeking independent financial or gambling support. Anyone under the applicable legal age must not use gambling services. Players should also only access gambling services where doing so is lawful.

Set limits and use account controls

Personal limits can help you stay within the amount of time and money you have chosen to spend. Depending on the account and service available to you, controls may include deposit limits, wagering or spending limits, session reminders, time-outs, activity statements or account closure. Available controls, approval processes and the time taken for a change to apply may vary. Check the relevant account settings and information carefully before you play.

Choose limits before gambling

A useful limit should be realistic, affordable and based on your circumstances. Consider setting daily, weekly or monthly boundaries for deposits and time. A limit should not be treated as a target. If you reach it, stop playing rather than looking for another way to continue. Consider asking a trusted person to help you stay accountable, particularly if you have previously found it difficult to follow your own decisions.

Take a break when needed

A temporary time-out can create space to review your gambling and decide what you want to do next. During a break, avoid moving to another gambling account or service to continue playing. If you need a longer interruption, ask about account closure or self-exclusion options that may be available to you. A self-exclusion request is a serious step intended to prevent or restrict access for a chosen period. Read the conditions carefully and do not attempt to bypass the process.

Account tools are helpful, but they do not replace personal responsibility or professional support. If you are concerned that you may gamble despite the limits you have set, stop using the service and seek assistance. You can also consider practical safeguards such as removing saved payment methods, blocking gambling-related websites or applications, and asking your bank whether gambling transaction controls are available.

Review your activity

Review account activity regularly, including deposits, withdrawals, bets and playing time. Looking at the complete picture can help you identify behaviour that is easy to overlook during individual sessions. If the amount or frequency is higher than planned, treat this as a reason to pause and reassess. Do not rely on a win to restore money already spent, and do not keep playing solely because you have been losing.

Recognise when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may affect anyone. It is not defined only by the amount of money lost. The impact on your thoughts, time, relationships, responsibilities and emotional health is also important. Early action can make it easier to regain control, so you do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by continuing to play or increasing your stakes.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut down or stop.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to concentrate on other things.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments, sleep or family commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or withdrawing from social activities.
• Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or loss of control after playing.
• Continuing to gamble even though it is causing financial, personal or emotional harm.

One sign does not provide a diagnosis, but it is a reason to pause and consider what is happening. If several signs apply to you, or another person has raised concerns, stop gambling and seek confidential advice. Do not attempt to manage serious financial or emotional harm alone.

If you are worried about someone else

Speak calmly and choose a private time. Focus on what you have noticed and how it affects the person, rather than blaming or criticising them. Encourage them to contact a qualified gambling counsellor or a relevant Australian support service. You can seek advice for yourself as well; family members and friends may also need practical, financial or emotional support.

Getting help and taking further action

Confidential help is available through gambling counselling services, financial counsellors, mental health professionals and Australian support organisations. Gambling Help Online and state or territory gambling support services can provide information, counselling and guidance about reducing or stopping gambling. The appropriate service may depend on where you live and your circumstances. Use official Australian health, government or support-service websites to find current information and suitable assistance.

If gambling has created financial pressure, consider speaking with an independent financial counsellor before taking out further credit or making major financial decisions. If gambling is affecting your mental health, contact a qualified health professional. If you feel unsafe, are in immediate danger or are thinking about harming yourself, stop gambling and contact emergency services or an urgent crisis support service in your area.

Self-exclusion and account closure

If you want to stop gambling, request the strongest available restriction rather than relying only on willpower. This may include a time-out, account closure or self-exclusion, depending on the service and the requirements that apply to you. A request may have conditions, and restrictions may not automatically apply to other gambling providers. For broader protection, ask a relevant support service about options that cover multiple providers or venues where available.

1. Stop playing and do not make further deposits while you decide what support you need.
2. Use the account tools available to request a break, closure or self-exclusion.
3. Remove access to saved payment methods and consider bank or device blocking tools.
4. Tell a trusted person what you have decided and ask them to support your plan.
5. Contact a gambling counsellor or financial counsellor for confidential guidance.
6. Review your finances, wellbeing and relationships, and make a plan for the next day and the next week.

Shazam Casino provides this information to encourage safer choices and does not present gambling as a source of income. Player circumstances differ, and information on this page is general only. Laws, responsible gambling requirements and available support may vary between Australian states and territories. Players are responsible for understanding the rules that apply to them and for using gambling services lawfully. If you are unsure whether gambling is right for you, the safest choice is not to play.