Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win. Over time, losses are possible, and you should only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose. Set a personal entertainment budget before you play and treat that budget as an expense, similar to spending on other leisure activities. Never use rent, mortgage payments, bills, food money, savings, borrowed funds or money needed for essential commitments.

It is also important to remember that past results do not determine future results. A game that has not produced a win for some time is not more likely to win on the next turn, and a previous win does not make another win more likely. Avoid systems or beliefs that suggest losses can be recovered through continued play. Chasing losses can increase financial harm and may make it harder to stop.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Decide how much time and money you will spend before starting.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending and savings.
• Use only your own money and never borrow to gamble.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when tired, upset, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Do not increase your stake or deposit simply because you have lost.
• Do not treat gambling as a source of income or a way to repay debts.
• Keep track of your deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling begins to worry you.

A budget is most effective when it is realistic and followed consistently. If you reach your limit, stop playing rather than changing the limit. You may also find it useful to set a separate time limit, because extended sessions can make it easier to lose perspective and continue beyond your original plan.

Safer gambling tools and account controls

Depending on the services available to your account, safer gambling controls may help you manage your play. These controls can include deposit limits, loss or spending limits, session reminders, time-outs and account self-exclusion. A limit can help you plan your gambling in advance, while a break or self-exclusion can prevent access for a selected period or until you decide that gambling is appropriate again.

Consider choosing limits before you begin playing. A limit should reflect what you can genuinely afford, not what you hope to win. Once a limit has been reached, do not attempt to work around it by opening another account, using another payment method or asking another person to gamble on your behalf. Account controls are designed to support safer decisions and should be used honestly.

Taking a break or self-excluding

If gambling is becoming difficult to control, a temporary break may be appropriate. If you need stronger protection, self-exclusion can help you stop gambling for a chosen period. During self-exclusion, do not try to access gambling services through another account or platform. You should also consider removing saved payment details, blocking gambling-related advertising where possible and asking a trusted person to support your decision.

1. Choose a limit, time-out or self-exclusion period that gives you meaningful protection.
2. Stop gambling when the control begins and avoid attempting to reverse or bypass it.
3. Review your finances and cancel unnecessary gambling-related payment arrangements.
4. Tell someone you trust what you have decided and ask them to check in with you.
5. Seek professional support if you are worried about your gambling, money or wellbeing.

Account controls are not a substitute for professional help. They are one part of a broader plan to reduce harm. If you are concerned about another person’s gambling, encourage them to seek assistance and avoid providing money that could be used to continue gambling.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It may begin gradually, and a person may not recognise the change until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, work or health. The following signs may indicate that additional support is needed:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after losing, or feeling unable to stop after a win.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or debts from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing bills to fund gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to reduce or stop.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Experiencing conflict with family, friends or colleagues because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or important responsibilities.
• Feeling shame, hopelessness or distress because of gambling.

One sign may be enough to justify taking a break and talking to someone. You do not need to wait until a serious financial or personal crisis occurs before seeking help. A qualified gambling counsellor can help you understand your behaviour, create a plan and identify practical steps for managing money and access.

If you are in immediate distress

If gambling has contributed to thoughts of self-harm, suicide, violence or immediate danger, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services in your location. If you are in Australia, you can contact emergency services in an immediate emergency or use an Australian crisis support service. Do not remain alone if you feel unsafe; contact a trusted person and explain that you need immediate support.

Getting help and protecting your account

Support is available in Australia for people affected by gambling, as well as for family members and friends. Gambling Help Online and other state and territory gambling support services provide information, counselling and guidance about reducing or stopping gambling. Services may offer online, telephone or face-to-face assistance, depending on your location. You can also speak with a general practitioner or qualified mental health professional about the effects gambling is having on your wellbeing.

When seeking help, be open about the amount of time and money involved, any debts or financial pressure, and the situations that make you want to gamble. This information can help a support professional suggest suitable steps. If contacting a service feels difficult, begin by speaking with someone you trust and ask them to help you find appropriate assistance.

Account safety and player responsibility

Players must meet the applicable minimum age requirement and provide accurate information when using an online gambling service. Keep your login details private, do not allow another person to use your account and notify the service through its available support process if you suspect unauthorised access. Responsible gaming also includes complying with applicable laws and account conditions.

Shardbet Casino aims to provide information that supports informed choices. Responsible gaming information cannot remove all gambling risks, and no tool can guarantee that a person will stay within their intended limits. If you believe gambling is becoming a problem, the safest step is to stop playing, use the available account controls and obtain independent support. Asking for help is a practical and positive decision, not a failure.

• Set financial and time limits before gambling.
• Take breaks and monitor how gambling affects your mood and responsibilities.
• Never chase losses or gamble with money needed for essentials.
• Use a time-out or self-exclusion option if you need distance from gambling.
• Seek support early from a trusted person or an Australian gambling support service.
• Contact urgent crisis or emergency assistance if you or someone else is at immediate risk.