Responsible gaming - how to play safely
Responsible gambling is an approach to gambling in which the punter maintains complete control over his time, budget and emotions. Gambling should remain a form of leisure, and not a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
At Australia, we feel it's important to remind you that you should only play with funds that, if lost, will not impact your daily life. If you feel like your game is getting out of control, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
When gambling becomes a problem
Recognizing the first signs of addiction can be difficult - many punters consider their behavior normal until the consequences become obvious. Please pay attention to the following warning signs:
- Gaming Loans - If you borrow money to bet, this is a serious signal of loss of control.
- Loss of control over time and money - you spend more at the casino than you planned and cannot stop.
- Secrecy - you hide the fact of the game or the size of your losses from your loved ones.
- Chasing losses - attempts to win back after a loss by increasing bets.
- Neglect of responsibilities - work, study or family fade into the background because of the game.
- Irritability when trying to stop - the inability to interrupt the game without feeling anxious or angry.
Self-control tools in online casinos
Licensed casinos provide a number of tools to help control gaming and reduce the risk of addiction:
Deposit limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly limit for replenishing your account. Once the limit is reached, it will not be possible to deposit funds until the next period.
Limits on bets and losses
Limit the maximum amount of bets or allowable losses for a certain period. This protects the budget from impulsive decisions.
Session time limit
Set up alerts or automatic end of the session after a certain amount of playing time. Regular breaks help keep your thinking clear.
Cooling period
Temporarily blocking access to your account for several days or weeks. During this period you cannot enter the casino, make a deposit or place a bet.
Self-exclusion
Complete account blocking for a long period (from several months to several years). This is the most radical measure that completely limits access to casinos.
Where to look for help
If you or your loved ones are faced with the problem of gambling addiction, help is available free of charge and anonymously:
Gamblers Anonymous
An international community of people united by the desire to get rid of gambling addiction. Groups operate all over the world, meetings are free and anonymous. The only condition is a sincere desire to stop gambling.
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Responsible Gaming Foundation
Independent foundation founded in Malta in 2014. Provides free anonymous consultation, self-exclusion programs and blocking access to gaming sites (BetBlocker, Gamban).
Website: www.rgf.org.mt
GambleAware
The UK's largest organization for the prevention of gambling addiction. Available 24 hours a day, it offers a self-assessment test, live chat with a consultant, advice on budget management and a search for local support services.
Website: www.gambleaware.org
Tips for playing safely
- Decide your budget in advance - decide how much you are willing to spend before you start playing, and do not exceed this amount.
- Treat the game as entertainment - do not consider the casino as a source of income. Winning is a pleasant bonus, not a goal.
- Do not play under the influence of emotions - fatigue, irritation or stress lead to impulsive and rash decisions.
- Take regular breaks - take a break from the game every 30-60 minutes to keep your mind clear.
- Don’t try to win back - increasing bets after a loss is the fastest way to losing your entire budget.
- Use self-control tools - set up limits in the casino: on deposits, bets, session time.
- Do not play while drunk - alcohol reduces the ability to make informed decisions.
Myths about gambling
- “I will definitely win back” - each spin or round is independent from the previous one. Past losses do not increase your chances of winning.
- “I’m on a lucky streak right now” - a series of wins is an accident, not a pattern. The random number generator has no memory.
- “The more I play, the more chances I have to win” - the probability does not increase with the number of attempts. Each spin is a new independent event.
- “The casino must pay out sooner or later” - the casino always has a mathematical advantage (house edge). In the long run, the casino wins.
Our position
Our website provides reviews and information about online casinos for informational purposes only. We are not a casino and do not accept bets. All materials are intended for adult users (18+).
We support the principles of responsible gambling and encourage every punter to approach gambling consciously, control time and budget, and seek help at the first sign of problems.