Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Responsible gambling means making informed decisions about when, how often and how much you gamble. Before playing, consider whether gambling fits comfortably within your available entertainment budget. Only use money that you can afford to lose, and never use money needed for household expenses, rent, bills, repayments or other essential commitments.

Gambling outcomes are determined by chance and past results do not predict future results. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can ensure a win. A loss should not be treated as something that must be recovered by placing further bets, and a win should not be seen as a reason to increase your spending without considering the risks.

Keep gambling in perspective

• Set a personal budget before you start and stay within it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from gambling.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Avoid chasing losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer than planned.
• Keep gambling separate from work, study, family time and other important responsibilities.
• Remember that gambling is entertainment and not a source of income.
• Only use an account in your own name and never allow another person to use it.

Players must meet the applicable legal age and other eligibility requirements before using an online gambling service. If you are under the legal age, do not create an account, deposit funds or attempt to play. Parents and guardians should take reasonable steps to prevent children and young people from accessing gambling accounts or devices used for gambling.

Use limits and account controls

Account controls can help you maintain a clear boundary around your gambling. Depending on the features available to your account and the applicable requirements, you may be able to set or request limits for deposits, spending, losses, session time or access. These tools are most effective when arranged before you begin gambling and treated as firm personal boundaries.

Plan before you play

1. Decide the amount you are prepared to spend during a defined period.
2. Choose how long you intend to play and identify a time to stop.
3. Set a limit that reflects your real financial circumstances, rather than an amount you hope to win.
4. Review your limit regularly and lower it if your circumstances change.
5. Stop when your limit or planned session ends, whether you are winning or losing.

If you ask for a limit, restriction or other account control, read the information provided about how it operates, when it takes effect and whether it can be changed. Do not assume that a limit applies to every form of gambling or to every account. If you are unsure how a control works, seek clarification before continuing to play.

Take a break or close your account

A temporary break can be useful if you want time away from gambling or notice that your habits are changing. A longer restriction or account closure may be more suitable if you are finding it difficult to stop. Contact the available support channel through your account or the website if you want to ask about a break, self-exclusion or account closure.

Account controls are not a replacement for personal support. If you have already tried to reduce your gambling and have not been able to do so, consider taking a complete break and speaking with an independent gambling support service. You can also ask a trusted person to help you keep track of your decisions and finances.

Recognise possible warning signs

Gambling can become harmful when it affects your finances, relationships, health, work, study or daily responsibilities. Problems can develop gradually, and you do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

You may need to review your gambling if you:

• Spend more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Think about gambling frequently or feel restless when you try to stop.
• Increase your stakes to experience the same level of excitement.
• Chase losses or gamble to recover money from earlier sessions.
• Hide or minimise your gambling from family, friends or other people.
• Borrow money, miss payments or experience financial stress because of gambling.
• Feel guilty, anxious, irritable or low after gambling.
• Neglect work, study, relationships, sleep or other responsibilities.
• Try to cut back several times without being able to maintain the change.
• Use gambling to escape problems, loneliness, stress or difficult emotions.

One warning sign does not define your situation, but several signs may indicate that it is time to pause and seek advice. Be honest with yourself about the effect gambling is having. Keeping a record of deposits, bets, time spent and feelings before and after a session can help you identify patterns that may not be obvious at first.

Protect your finances and privacy

Use practical safeguards where appropriate. Keep gambling funds separate from money needed for everyday living, monitor account activity and review your bank and payment records. Do not share passwords or allow another person to access your account. If someone else is placing bets through your account, stop using the account and seek assistance through the available account support process.

Getting help and making a support plan

If gambling is causing concern, you are not required to manage it alone. Independent gambling support services in Australia can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance. Services may be available through government-funded programmes, community organisations and qualified health professionals in your state or territory. Support may also be available for family members and friends affected by another person's gambling.

You can speak with your general practitioner or another trusted health professional about gambling and its effect on your wellbeing. They may help you understand available treatment and support options. If gambling is linked with severe distress, thoughts of self-harm or an immediate safety concern, seek urgent assistance from emergency services or a crisis support service in your area.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling for the rest of the day and move away from the device or website.
2. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
3. Review your recent gambling activity and identify the situations that trigger gambling.
4. Set an appropriate limit, request a break or ask for account closure if available.
5. Remove saved payment methods where practical and avoid carrying easy access to gambling funds.
6. Arrange an appointment with a qualified health professional or independent support service.
7. Return to gambling only if it remains legal, affordable and consistent with your support plan.

Vanguard Casino provides responsible gaming information to help players make informed choices. Any available tools, restrictions and account processes should be read together with the applicable terms, privacy information and legal requirements. If you believe a gambling account has been opened or used by a person who is underage, vulnerable or otherwise not authorised to use it, stop activity and report the concern through the available support channel.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing decision. Check your habits regularly, keep your limits realistic and be prepared to take a break whenever gambling stops being enjoyable or starts affecting other parts of your life.