Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment and stay in control

Responsible gambling means making conscious decisions about whether, when and how you play. It involves understanding that gambling outcomes are uncertain, accepting that losses are possible and choosing limits before you begin. No gambling activity is risk-free, and there is no strategy that can guarantee a win. Previous results do not determine future results, and continuing to play does not increase the likelihood of recovering money that has already been lost.

Dolly Casino provides responsible gambling information to help players make sensible and informed decisions. Gambling should be treated as a leisure activity that costs money, rather than as a source of income. Do not rely on gambling to pay bills, improve your financial position, solve debt or cope with personal difficulties. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential living costs and other financial responsibilities have been covered.

Before playing, consider your age, legal position, financial circumstances and general wellbeing. You should only gamble if you meet the applicable legal age requirements and are permitted to use gambling services under the laws that apply to you. Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, under pressure or affected by alcohol or other substances, as these conditions can make it harder to make balanced decisions.

Practical principles

• Set a spending budget before you play and do not exceed it.
• Treat deposits and losses as the cost of entertainment.
• Never chase losses or increase your spending to try to win money back.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essentials or sell possessions to gamble.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks during a session.
• Keep gambling separate from rent, bills, food, savings and other important expenses.
• Avoid gambling as a response to stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Talk to someone you trust if you feel your gambling is becoming harder to manage.

A personal budget is most effective when it is realistic and decided before gambling begins. Consider your income, regular expenses, existing commitments and any dependants who rely on you. If gambling would affect your ability to meet an essential responsibility, it is not an affordable activity at that time. Reviewing your budget regularly can also help you notice changes in your spending before they become serious.

Tools and steps for safer gambling

Planning your gambling activity can help you remain aware of the money and time you are spending. Where suitable tools are available, you may be able to use account limits, deposit controls, activity statements, time reminders, temporary breaks or self-exclusion options. The availability and operation of these tools may depend on the service, your account and the rules that apply to your location.

Set financial and time limits

Choose a spending limit before you start and stop when that limit is reached. You may also wish to set a daily, weekly or monthly time limit. Read the information provided with any account tool carefully so you understand what it controls, when it takes effect and whether changes may be subject to a waiting period. Do not assume that a limit will apply to other gambling services or accounts that you use.

Take a temporary break

A temporary break may be useful if you are spending more time gambling than intended, thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to focus on work, study or family activities. During a break, log out of your account, remove gambling applications if appropriate and avoid promotional messages or other reminders that may encourage you to play. Sharing your decision with a trusted person can provide additional encouragement.

Consider self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for people who want to stop gambling for a specified period or longer. If you request self-exclusion, follow the relevant process and provide the information needed to identify your account. Do not try to avoid an exclusion by opening another account, using another person's account or asking someone else to gamble on your behalf. Self-exclusion works best when combined with practical support and a plan for managing situations that may trigger the urge to gamble.

Monitor your activity

Review your account activity, deposits, withdrawals, playing time and results regularly. Keeping an accurate record can help you understand your actual gambling rather than relying on memory. Take particular care if you use more than one gambling service, as your overall activity may be greater than the activity shown in any single account. If you notice that your spending or playing time is increasing, consider reducing it or taking a break.

Recognising signs that gambling may be a problem

Gambling problems can affect people from all backgrounds and may develop gradually. A person may initially view increased gambling as temporary or harmless, particularly after a win or an unexpected expense. Over time, gambling can affect finances, relationships, employment, study, sleep and mental wellbeing. Recognising warning signs early makes it easier to take action and seek appropriate assistance.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back losses, often referred to as chasing losses.
• Feeling restless, frustrated or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling while working, studying or spending time with family and friends.
• Hiding your gambling, deposits, losses or account activity from other people.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or using money needed for essentials because of gambling.
• Selling belongings or making other financial decisions to obtain gambling funds.
• Using gambling to escape stress, boredom, loneliness, sadness or other emotions.
• Making repeated attempts to stop or reduce gambling without success.
• Arguing with people close to you because of gambling or its consequences.
• Feeling guilt, regret or distress after gambling but continuing to play.
• Neglecting sleep, health, work, study or personal responsibilities because of gambling.

Further signs to take seriously

• Increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to achieve the same excitement.
• Believing that a win is due or that a particular result can be forced through persistence.
• Checking gambling results, promotions or account balances repeatedly throughout the day.
• Feeling unable to relax or enjoy other activities without gambling.
• Using money set aside for household costs, education, healthcare or other essentials.
• Taking time away from work, study or family commitments to gamble.
• Experiencing significant mood changes connected with gambling wins or losses.
• Making promises to stop but returning to gambling sooner than intended.
• Feeling that gambling is becoming secretive, urgent or difficult to explain.
• Relying on another person to manage money because of gambling concerns.
• Experiencing relationship, employment or legal difficulties linked to gambling.
• Feeling hopeless, overwhelmed or distressed because of gambling-related problems.

You do not need to wait until gambling causes serious financial or personal harm before asking for help. Even one warning sign may be a good reason to take a break and review your habits. Speak openly with a trusted family member, friend, health professional, financial counsellor or specialist gambling counsellor. Seeking assistance early is a practical step and is not a sign of failure.

If someone close to you is affected by gambling, try to approach the conversation calmly and without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek professional support. Protect your own finances and wellbeing, and do not provide money to cover gambling losses if doing so may allow harmful behaviour to continue. Support is available for family members and friends as well as for people who gamble.

Support, financial wellbeing and account protection

If you are worried about your gambling, consider contacting an Australian gambling support service. Services such as Gambling Help Online may provide information, counselling and guidance for people affected by gambling, including family members and friends. You can also speak with a general practitioner, psychologist or other qualified health professional about the effect gambling may be having on your mental health and daily life. Choose the support option that feels suitable for your circumstances.

Financial pressure can make gambling feel more urgent, but further gambling is unlikely to solve financial problems and may increase them. Consider speaking with an independent financial counsellor about your income, expenses, debts and essential commitments. A financial counsellor may help you understand your position and identify practical steps. Be cautious of any person or service that promises guaranteed gambling wins, instant recovery of losses or a risk-free way to make money.

Protect your account and personal information

Use a strong and unique password for your account, and never share it with another person. Keep your email account, payment information and other personal details secure. Where possible, avoid signing in on public or shared devices. If you do use a shared device, sign out when finished and do not save your password in the browser. Review account activity and contact the available support channel if you notice activity that you do not recognise.

Dolly Casino may apply account reviews, restrictions or other responsible gambling measures where required by applicable rules and internal procedures. Account features, limits and support options may vary according to the service, your location and your circumstances. Review the information shown in your account and the applicable terms before gambling. If you do not understand a restriction, limit or self-exclusion option, use the available customer support channel for clarification.

Make responsible gambling an ongoing choice

Responsible gambling is not a one-time decision. Review your spending, playing time and feelings regularly, especially after a significant win or loss. Keep your limits visible, take breaks when needed and act early when your habits change. If gambling no longer feels like entertainment, stop playing and seek support. Taking control, requesting a break or asking for help are positive steps towards protecting your financial and personal wellbeing.