Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be enjoyable when it remains one activity among many. It can also become harmful if it affects your finances, relationships, work, study, health or general wellbeing. There is no guaranteed strategy for winning, and past results do not predict future outcomes. Every wager carries a risk of loss.

Before you play at Paradise 8 Casino, consider whether gambling fits within your budget and circumstances. Decide how much money and time you are comfortable spending before you begin, and stick to those decisions. Do not increase your spending to recover losses, and never borrow money or use essential funds for gambling.

• Gamble only with money set aside for entertainment after essential expenses have been paid.
• Set a time limit before you start and take regular breaks.
• Set a spending limit and stop when you reach it.
• Keep gambling separate from bills, rent, mortgage payments, savings and other financial commitments.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed, affected by alcohol or affected by other drugs.
• Do not chase losses or assume that a win is due after a losing run.
• Treat winnings as chance outcomes rather than income.
• Review your gambling habits regularly and be honest about the time and money involved.

Gambling outcomes are determined by chance and cannot be controlled by patterns, systems or personal skill where a game is chance-based. A higher stake does not improve your certainty of winning. If you feel that gambling is becoming difficult to control, stop playing and seek support as soon as possible.

Safer gambling tools can help you manage your activity. Depending on availability and the features of your account, these tools may include deposit limits, wagering or spending limits, session reminders, activity statements, cooling-off periods and account closure or self-exclusion options. Some tools take effect immediately, while others may require processing or remain active for a set period.

Set limits before you play

A limit works best when it is chosen before gambling begins. Select an amount and time period that will not affect your everyday needs. Do not set a limit based on what you hope to win. If you reach your limit, stop gambling rather than trying to change it to continue playing.

Take a break

A cooling-off period can provide time away from gambling without making a permanent decision. Use a break if you feel distracted by gambling, notice that you are playing for longer than planned or want to reassess your habits. During a break, avoid attempting to access gambling through another account or service.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a formal way to prevent or restrict access to gambling for a chosen period or, where available, on an ongoing basis. If you choose self-exclusion, take it seriously and do not try to bypass the restriction. Self-exclusion may apply to a particular account or service, so you should consider any other gambling accounts you hold and seek broader support if needed.

If you need help using a responsible gambling feature, review the relevant account settings or contact the available support channel through the website. Do not wait until gambling has caused serious harm before using these tools.

Problem gambling can develop gradually. A person may not recognise the change at first, or may minimise its effect on their life. The following signs can indicate that gambling is no longer staying within safe limits:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Increasing your bets or playing for longer to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying to win back money that has been lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or using credit to gamble.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social activities because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, stress or low mood after gambling.
• Using gambling to cope with loneliness, sadness, pressure or other difficult feelings.
• Finding that gambling is affecting rent, bills, food, savings or other essential expenses.

One sign may be enough to justify taking a break and asking for help. You do not need to wait for a crisis, a large debt or a serious relationship problem. Speaking openly with someone you trust can be a useful first step. Professional support is confidential and can help you understand your options without judgement.

If you are worried about someone else

If a family member, friend or colleague may be experiencing gambling harm, choose a calm time to talk. Explain what you have noticed, listen without blame and encourage them to seek professional advice. You cannot control another person's gambling, and you should protect your own finances and wellbeing. Avoid lending money to cover gambling losses or debts without getting independent advice.

Support is available to people who gamble and to those affected by another person's gambling. In Australia, you can seek help through state and territory gambling support services, qualified counsellors, financial counsellors, mental health services, your doctor or other trusted health professionals. These services can help with urges to gamble, financial stress, relationships, emotional wellbeing and planning a break or exclusion.

If you are in immediate danger, feel unable to keep yourself safe or are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact emergency services or attend the nearest hospital. If gambling has caused debt or financial pressure, speak with a free financial counselling service before taking out further credit or making decisions under stress.

1. Stop gambling and leave the website or app.
2. Tell someone you trust what is happening.
3. Review your recent gambling activity and identify the money and time involved.
4. Apply an available limit, cooling-off period or self-exclusion option.
5. Remove easy access to gambling funds and avoid using credit to gamble.
6. Contact an Australian gambling support or counselling service for confidential advice.
7. Make a practical plan for the next day, including healthy activities and support from another person.

Paradise 8 Casino encourages players to make informed choices and use the controls available to them. Responsible gambling information is general in nature and is not a substitute for financial, legal, medical or counselling advice. If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, seek help early and choose the support that best suits your circumstances.