Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every game is based on chance or other outcomes that cannot be predicted with certainty. Previous wins or losses do not change the likelihood of future results. A losing streak does not mean that a win is due, and a winning streak does not mean that future wins are assured.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential costs have been covered. Gambling should not come before rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, education, health costs or other financial commitments. Never use borrowed money, credit intended for necessities or funds set aside for another purpose to gamble.

• Set a spending limit before you start and stop when you reach it.
• Set a time limit so gambling does not take over your day or night.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when tired, upset, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing to play in an attempt to recover money.
• Keep gambling separate from your everyday budget and financial responsibilities.
• Treat any winnings as a possible outcome, not as income or a dependable source of money.

It can also help to keep a simple record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and your overall results. Looking at the full picture can make it easier to recognise changes in your behaviour. If gambling stops being fun, consider taking a break or stopping altogether.

Planning in advance can make it easier to keep gambling within your chosen boundaries. Depending on the features available on your account, you may be able to use responsible gaming controls such as deposit limits, wagering or loss limits, session reminders, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion. These tools are designed to help you pause and make deliberate decisions rather than play automatically.

Set limits before playing

Choose an amount and period that fit comfortably within your entertainment budget. A limit should be affordable even if the full amount is lost. Consider setting daily, weekly or monthly boundaries, and do not increase them simply because you have lost money or want to continue playing. If you are unsure what an affordable limit looks like, review your income, essential expenses, existing commitments and savings goals before gambling.

Use a time-out or break

A time-out can provide space to review your habits without permanently closing your account. During a break, avoid using other gambling services to continue playing. Use the time to rest, speak with someone you trust and consider whether gambling is still suitable for you. A longer break may be appropriate if you are finding it difficult to stop once you begin.

Consider self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a chosen period or indefinitely. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided for your account and do not try to open another account or bypass the restriction. Self-exclusion may apply only to the service where it is requested, so consider whether you should also arrange exclusions with other gambling providers you use.

If you have difficulty applying a limit, time-out or self-exclusion request, stop gambling and contact the appropriate support channel through the website or your account area. Do not continue playing while waiting for assistance. Any account tools or restrictions operate subject to the applicable service terms and legal requirements.

Gambling harm can develop gradually and may affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. You do not need to wait until a serious problem develops before seeking help. Speaking with someone early can make it easier to regain control.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling restless when you cannot play.
• Increasing your stakes to achieve the same excitement or to recover losses.
• Chasing losses, hiding gambling or giving misleading information about it.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills because of gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, family, friends, sleep or other activities.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, ashamed or distressed after gambling.
• Trying to stop or cut down but finding that you cannot.
• Arguing with people close to you about your gambling or its effects.

One or more of these signs may indicate that it is time to stop and seek support. Do not try to win back money already lost. Losses are not debts that gambling can reliably repay, and continuing to play can increase the harm. If gambling is affecting your finances, consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor about practical steps to protect your income and essential expenses.

If you are worried about someone else

Choose a calm time to raise your concerns without blaming or judging. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their response and encourage them to seek professional support. You cannot control another person's gambling, but you can set boundaries around money, protect shared finances where appropriate and seek advice for yourself. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis service in your area.

Free and confidential gambling support is available to people in Australia, including people affected by someone else's gambling. A qualified counsellor or support service can help you understand what is happening, create a plan to reduce or stop gambling, manage urges and consider financial or relationship impacts. Support can be accessed online, by phone or in person through services available in your state or territory.

You can also speak with your general practitioner or another trusted health professional. They can discuss gambling-related stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression or other concerns and refer you to suitable services. A financial counsellor may assist with budgeting, debts and protecting essential payments. If you feel unsafe, are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or are in immediate danger, seek urgent help through local emergency or crisis services.

Practical steps you can take today

1. Stop playing and take a break, particularly if you are trying to recover losses.
2. Review your recent gambling activity and calculate what you can genuinely afford.
3. Set a deposit, spending or time limit, or request a time-out or self-exclusion.
4. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
5. Remove saved payment methods, reduce access to gambling funds and avoid gambling advertisements or triggers where possible.
6. Arrange an appointment with a qualified gambling counsellor, general practitioner or financial counsellor.
7. If your first attempt to change does not work, try again and ask for additional support rather than returning to gambling.

Woo Casino supports informed and responsible decisions. Information on this page is general and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial or legal advice. Gambling availability, account controls and support processes may depend on your location, account status and applicable requirements. Please review the relevant account information and service terms before using the service.