Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Responsible gambling means making informed choices and keeping gambling within limits that are affordable and comfortable for you. Online casino games involve risk, and outcomes are determined by chance. There is no reliable system, pattern or strategy that can guarantee a win. Previous results do not predict future results, and a losing session does not create an obligation for a win to follow. Every game should be approached with the understanding that you may lose the money you choose to play with.

Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose after essential costs have been paid. Gambling funds should not come from rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, education, medical expenses or money set aside for important commitments. Do not borrow money, use credit for gambling, sell belongings or rely on another person’s money to continue playing. If you are experiencing financial pressure, gambling is unlikely to solve the problem and may make it worse.

• Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending before you begin.
• Set a budget for gambling and treat it as an entertainment expense.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing for longer than planned.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or depositing more money.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to solve a financial problem.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending and financial responsibilities.
• Do not gamble to celebrate a win, change your mood or escape difficult feelings.
• Remember that stopping is always an appropriate choice, whether you are winning or losing.
• Never allow another person to use your account and do not use another person’s account.
• Keep your login details, payment information and account access private.

It can be helpful to keep a personal record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and overall results. A clear record may make it easier to understand your habits and identify changes early. Consider discussing your gambling budget with someone you trust, particularly if gambling has become a regular part of your routine. Regularly reviewing your behaviour can help you decide whether your current limits remain suitable.

Gambling should not interfere with work, study, family life, sleep, health or other responsibilities. If you find that it is taking more time or attention than intended, pause and reconsider whether continuing is right for you. You do not need to wait for serious harm before reducing or stopping your gambling.

Recognise the signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually and may affect anyone. It is not limited to people who gamble every day or lose large amounts. Some people experience harm through financial pressure, while others notice changes in their mood, relationships, sleep, work or study. Recognising warning signs early can help you take action before the situation becomes more serious.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss, often called chasing losses.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or planning your day around playing.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using savings to gamble.
• Selling possessions or seeking additional income mainly to continue gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, family, health or other responsibilities.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Continuing to gamble despite arguments, financial problems or negative consequences.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or loss of control after gambling.
• Attempting unsuccessfully to cut down, control or stop gambling.

One warning sign may be enough to prompt a review of your gambling. You do not need to wait until a crisis to ask for help. If you are concerned about your own gambling, consider stopping play, using available account restrictions and speaking with a qualified support service or a trusted person. If you are worried about someone else, approach them calmly and focus on support rather than blame.

If gambling is causing severe distress or you have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, seek urgent assistance through emergency services or an appropriate crisis service in your area. Your immediate safety is more important than any gambling account or financial loss.

Tools and steps to stay in control

Account controls can help you manage your gambling, but they work best when used alongside a realistic budget and regular self-checks. Depending on the features available to you, you may be able to set deposit, spending, wagering or time limits, take a temporary break, or request a longer-term account exclusion. Review the applicable account settings and terms before selecting a restriction.

Practical steps

1. Choose a limit before you play. Make it an amount that will not affect essential expenses if lost.
2. Set the limit using the account tools available to you, where offered.
3. Decide how long your session will last and use a timer or another reminder to help you stop on time.
4. Do not remove or increase a restriction during a moment of strong emotion or after a loss.
5. Take a break if you feel frustrated, excited, pressured or unable to follow your plan.
6. Consider asking a trusted person to help you maintain your limits.
7. If limits are not enough, request a temporary break or account exclusion and stop gambling.
8. Seek professional support if you cannot control your gambling or if harm has already occurred.

Account restrictions may not immediately resolve financial, emotional or relationship problems that have already developed. You may need help reviewing debts, managing money, repairing relationships or addressing stress and mental health concerns. A qualified counsellor or financial counsellor can help you create a plan suited to your circumstances.

A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling without making a longer-term decision. An account exclusion may be more suitable if you believe you should stop gambling for an extended period. Choose the option that best supports your safety and ability to remain in control. Do not try to bypass a restriction by opening another account or using another person’s account.

Take care when gambling on shared devices and make sure you log out when you finish. Parents and carers should use appropriate device, payment and account controls to reduce the risk of children accessing gambling services. Gambling accounts must only be used by the verified account holder and for lawful purposes.

Getting help in Australia

Support is available across Australia for people affected by gambling, as well as for family members and friends. Gambling Help Online provides information, self-help resources and access to support options. State and territory gambling support services may also offer confidential counselling and practical assistance. Financial counsellors can help with budgeting, debts and financial stress, while a general practitioner or mental health professional can assist with related anxiety, depression, sleep problems or other concerns.

• Search for Gambling Help Online to access Australian gambling support information and online assistance.
• Contact a gambling support service in your state or territory for confidential advice.
• Speak with a qualified financial counsellor if gambling has affected bills, debts or savings.
• Tell a trusted family member, friend or support person what is happening.
• Ask Mystake Casino support about the responsible gaming options available on your account.
• If you need immediate help or feel unsafe, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia.

You can ask for help without waiting until you have lost a particular amount or experienced a serious consequence. Support is available whether you are considering reducing your gambling, taking a break, closing your account or helping someone close to you. Seeking assistance is a practical and responsible step, not a failure.

Age and personal responsibility

Gambling is for adults who meet the applicable legal age and eligibility requirements. Do not gamble if you are under the legal age, prohibited from gambling, or using another person’s identity or payment method. Parents and carers should take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling accounts, devices and payment information.

Mystake Casino encourages all players to make informed decisions, use the available safer gambling tools and seek support whenever gambling no longer feels manageable. Please review the relevant terms and account information for further details about restrictions, exclusions and other responsible gaming options. Responsible gambling is an ongoing process, and taking a break or asking for help is always a valid choice.