Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling can be an enjoyable leisure activity when it is kept within clear personal and financial boundaries. However, every game involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to predict or control the outcome. A win is never certain, and past results do not improve the chance of a future result. No system, pattern or betting strategy can remove the risks involved.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment, in the same way you would budget for a meal, a film or another recreational activity. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential costs have been paid. Gambling should never affect rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, education, transport, savings or other important commitments.

• Only gamble if you meet the minimum legal age and other requirements that apply where you live. In Australia, gambling services are for people aged 18 or over.
• Set a spending limit before you begin and stop when that limit has been reached.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday household money and savings.
• Do not borrow money, use someone else’s payment method or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Never gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed, affected by alcohol or affected by other drugs.
• Take regular breaks and avoid gambling for longer than you originally planned.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your bets or continuing to play after a losing session.
• Remember that gambling is not a reliable source of income.

It can also help to keep gambling private from nobody who supports your wellbeing. Letting a trusted person know about your limits may make it easier to stay accountable. If gambling starts to feel difficult to control, stop playing and seek support as early as possible.

Set a plan before you play

A simple plan can help you stay in control. Decide in advance how much you will spend, how long you will play and what you will do when your session ends. Write your plan down if that makes it easier to follow. Do not change your limits during a session because of a win, a loss or the hope of a particular result.

Use available account controls

Depending on the services available to you, account controls may include deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time limits, cooling-off periods or temporary account restrictions. These tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when selected before you start playing and used consistently.

• Choose a daily, weekly or monthly amount that fits within your entertainment budget.
• Set a time reminder so that a session does not continue longer than intended.
• Use a cooling-off period if you feel distracted, frustrated or tempted to play more than planned.
• Review your account activity regularly so you understand how much time and money you are spending.
• Avoid removing or increasing a limit during a period of strong emotion.
• If a limit no longer feels sufficient, stop gambling and consider a longer break or self-exclusion.

Separate gambling from your finances

Keeping gambling funds separate from money used for essential expenses can make your budget easier to manage. Consider setting a fixed entertainment allowance and monitoring your transactions. Do not rely on a potential win to cover an upcoming payment. If gambling has affected your ability to meet financial commitments, stop playing and speak with a qualified financial counsellor or a trusted person.

Promotional messages, offers and game features should never encourage you to spend more than you planned. You can review the communication settings available through your account and turn off marketing messages where that option is provided. Any applicable terms should be read carefully before you participate.

Recognise warning signs

Gambling can become difficult to manage gradually. A single long session does not necessarily indicate a gambling problem, but repeated changes in your thoughts, behaviour, finances or relationships may be a reason to take a break and seek advice. You do not need to wait for a serious financial loss before asking for help.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Trying to win back losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Hiding your gambling, your account activity or your losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling belongings to continue gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or family commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about how often or how much you gamble.
• Gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling regret, shame or distress after gambling but continuing to play.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling for now. A break can give you time to assess what is happening without the pressure of another session. Speak openly with someone you trust and contact a professional gambling support service in your state or territory. Support is confidential, and you can ask for help even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem.

Take a break or self-exclude

Taking a break is a practical way to regain perspective. A short cooling-off period may be appropriate when you need time away from gambling, while a longer self-exclusion period can provide stronger protection when you want to stop gambling for a defined period or indefinitely. Self-exclusion is a personal decision and should be considered seriously before you continue playing.

When to consider self-exclusion

• You have tried to reduce your gambling but have not been able to keep to your plan.
• You are gambling more often or for longer than you want.
• Your gambling is affecting your finances, health, work, study or relationships.
• You are using gambling to manage difficult emotions.
• You are hiding gambling activity or asking others for money because of it.
• You want a firm period away from gambling while you seek professional support.

If you decide to take a break or self-exclude, use the relevant account setting where it is available or contact the support channel shown on the website. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand the period, scope and conditions that apply. Do not create another account or use another person’s account to get around a restriction. If you have access to gambling services elsewhere, consider using the self-exclusion and blocking options offered by those services as well.

You may also choose to remove gambling apps, block gambling websites, unsubscribe from gambling marketing and ask your bank whether it offers gambling transaction controls. These steps can work alongside account limits and professional support. If you share finances with another person, consider discussing practical safeguards with them.

Getting help and staying informed

Support is available for anyone affected by gambling, including the person gambling and their family, friends or colleagues. Australian support services can provide confidential information, counselling, financial guidance and help with making a plan. You can look for a recognised gambling support organisation in your state or territory, use a national gambling support service or speak with a qualified health professional.

If someone close to you is gambling heavily, try to raise the subject calmly and without judgement. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to speak with a professional. Avoid giving them money to cover gambling losses or making promises that hide the effects of gambling. If you are concerned about your own safety or another person’s immediate safety, contact local emergency services.

Voodoo Casino encourages players to use responsible gambling tools, understand the risks and make informed choices. Account features and support options may differ according to the service, account type and applicable laws. You should review the information available on the website and the terms that apply to your account. Responsible gambling tools are not a substitute for professional advice, and using them does not guarantee that gambling-related harm will not occur.

If gambling no longer feels enjoyable or manageable, the safest choice is to stop. Asking for help early is a positive step, not a failure. Take the time you need, involve people you trust and use appropriate support services to protect your wellbeing.