Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and outcomes are determined by chance. There is no guaranteed system, strategy or pattern that can ensure a win. Previous results do not influence future results, and a losing session does not mean that a win is due. Treat every wager as an entertainment expense and only play with money you can afford to lose.

Before you begin, consider how gambling fits within your budget and your other commitments. Money needed for rent, mortgage repayments, bills, food, education, savings or other essential expenses should never be used for gambling. It is also important not to gamble with borrowed money, credit that you cannot repay or money set aside for someone else.

• Set a gambling budget before you play and stay within it.
• Decide how long you intend to play and take regular breaks.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Accept losses as part of the cost of entertainment rather than trying to win them back.
• Remember that winning is never guaranteed, regardless of your past results.

A practical way to stay in control is to decide your limits while you are calm and before placing any bets. Once a limit has been reached, stop playing. Increasing a limit during a session can make it harder to follow your original plan, particularly after a loss or an unexpected win.

Keep track of your play

It can be useful to review how often you gamble, how much time you spend playing and how much money you deposit or lose. Looking at these details honestly may help you identify changes in your behaviour. If gambling is taking more time, money or attention than you intended, consider taking a break and seeking support.

Problem gambling can affect anyone. It may develop gradually, and some people do not recognise a concern until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, work, study or wellbeing. A concern does not depend only on the amount of money involved. Gambling can become harmful when it feels difficult to control or causes distress.

Consider whether any of the following statements apply to you. The more signs you recognise, the more important it may be to pause gambling and speak with an appropriately qualified support service.

• You spend more time or money gambling than you planned.
• You increase the amount you wager to get the same excitement.
• You keep gambling after deciding to stop or take a break.
• You chase losses by returning to gamble in an attempt to recover money.
• You think about gambling frequently during work, study or daily activities.
• You hide, minimise or mislead others about your gambling.
• You borrow money, sell possessions or use essential funds to gamble.
• You feel restless, irritable or anxious when trying to cut back.
• Gambling affects your sleep, mood, relationships, employment or studies.
• You gamble to escape sadness, stress, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• You miss appointments, responsibilities or social activities because of gambling.
• You feel guilt, shame or distress after gambling but continue to play.

These signs are not a diagnosis, but they should not be ignored. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speaking to a trusted person, a financial counsellor, a healthcare professional or a gambling support service can be a useful first step.

Do not chase losses

Chasing losses means continuing or increasing gambling because you want to recover money already lost. This can lead to larger losses and decisions that you would not normally make. Losses cannot be recovered by gambling with certainty. If you notice that you are chasing losses, stop playing, close the gambling session and consider using a break or self-exclusion option.

Winshark Casino may provide account features designed to support responsible play. Depending on the service and your location, these may include deposit limits, wagering or loss limits, session reminders, activity information, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion. Availability and operation can vary, so review the relevant account settings and terms before using a tool.

Set limits before playing

A limit can help you manage the amount of money or time you spend. Choose an amount and period that reflect your personal budget. A limit should be treated as a boundary, not as a target. If you find yourself regularly reaching or changing your limits, this may be a sign that gambling is becoming difficult to manage.

Take a break

A cooling-off period or temporary account break can provide time away from gambling. Use a break if you feel distracted by gambling, have had a difficult session or simply want to reset your habits. During a break, avoid opening another account or using another gambling service to continue playing. Moving to another account does not remove the underlying risk.

Consider self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger option for people who want to stop gambling for a selected period or indefinitely. When requesting self-exclusion, provide accurate information and follow the instructions supplied through the relevant process. Do not attempt to bypass an exclusion by creating a new account or using another person’s account. If you are unsure which option is suitable, seek independent support before continuing to gamble.

Protect your account

• Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to use your account.
• Do not gamble on behalf of another person or let another person gamble on your behalf.
• Use account and payment information that belongs to you.
• Review your account activity and transaction history regularly.
• Contact the operator through the available account support process if you notice anything unusual.
• Keep gambling away from children and people who are not legally permitted to gamble.

If gambling is causing financial, emotional or relationship problems, support is available in Australia. You can speak with a qualified gambling counsellor, a healthcare professional, a financial counsellor or a trusted person. Australian support services can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance about gambling concerns, money issues and self-exclusion options.

If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek urgent help through appropriate emergency or crisis services in your area. Gambling-related stress can feel isolating, but you do not have to manage it alone. Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control.

If you are concerned about another person

Choose a calm time to raise the subject. Focus on what you have observed and how the behaviour affects the person, rather than blaming or judging them. Encourage them to speak with a professional support service and offer practical help, such as attending an appointment or reviewing household finances together. You cannot control another person’s gambling, so protect your own finances and wellbeing as well.

1. Talk openly and privately when the person is not gambling.
2. Use clear, supportive language and avoid arguments about individual wins or losses.
3. Encourage a pause, limit or self-exclusion where appropriate.
4. Do not lend money to cover gambling losses or help hide gambling from others.
5. Seek independent advice for yourself if the situation is affecting your wellbeing.
6. If there is an immediate safety concern, contact an appropriate emergency or crisis service.

Winshark Casino supports informed and responsible participation. Players should read the applicable terms, use available safer-gambling tools and make decisions based on their own circumstances. If gambling is no longer fun or feels difficult to control, stop playing and seek support before placing another wager.