Responsible Gaming

Responsible gambling means making considered decisions about whether, when and how you gamble. It includes understanding that gambling outcomes are based on chance and that no strategy can guarantee a win. Every wager carries a risk of loss. Previous results, patterns, near misses or the length of time you have been playing do not change the likelihood of a future result. A win cannot be guaranteed, regardless of your experience or the amount you have already spent.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential expenses have been covered. Rent or mortgage payments, bills, food, transport, savings, debt repayments and other important commitments should come first. Do not use money needed for daily living, borrow money to gamble or rely on gambling to improve your financial position. If losing an amount would affect your household or your ability to meet an obligation, that amount is not suitable for gambling.

Set a personal budget before you begin and treat it as the maximum you are prepared to spend. It can also help to set a time limit for each session. Stop when either limit is reached, whether you are winning, losing or hoping for one more result. A limit is most useful when it is decided while you are calm and is not changed because of excitement, disappointment or the desire to recover losses.

• Gamble for entertainment rather than as a source of income.
• Decide your spending and time limits before starting a session.
• Keep gambling money separate from money needed for living expenses.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Never borrow money or use credit to continue gambling.
• Take regular breaks and stop when your planned session ends.
• Keep your account details private and use a secure password.
• Use your own account and never allow another person to gamble through it.

Keeping a personal record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and session results may help you understand your activity more clearly. Memory can be affected by excitement, frustration or a series of wins and losses. Reviewing your records may show whether your spending or playing time is increasing. If you notice a change that concerns you, take a break and consider speaking with someone you trust or an independent support service.

Planning in advance can make it easier to follow your own boundaries. Before opening a game or making a deposit, decide how much money and time you are comfortable using. Your decision should be based on your personal circumstances and discretionary budget, not on an expectation of winning. Do not increase a limit during a session because you have lost money or because you believe a win is due.

Financial limits

Choose an amount that you can lose without affecting your commitments. Consider whether you could comfortably lose the full amount deposited. Avoid transferring additional funds during a session simply because the original amount has been spent. A new deposit does not improve the chance of a future result and may make it more difficult to keep control. Do not take out a loan, use a credit card or sell possessions to fund gambling.

Time limits and breaks

Decide when your session will end and use a reminder if that is helpful. Long sessions can make it harder to notice fatigue, frustration, reduced concentration or increasing expenditure. When your planned time is finished, leave the game and move away from the device. Exercise, social activities, work, study, family time and other hobbies can help you maintain a healthy balance.

Available account controls

Depending on the features available, online gambling services may offer tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, reality checks, temporary breaks, account restrictions or self-exclusion. These tools are intended to support your decisions, but they do not remove the risk of loss. Read the relevant information carefully so you understand how a control works, when it takes effect and whether it can be changed or cancelled.

If you believe you need a complete break from gambling, consider using a self-exclusion or account closure option where available. Treat the break seriously. Do not create another account, use another person's account or ask another person to gamble for you while you are taking time away. If you need help understanding an account control, use the customer support option made available on the website.

1. Choose a realistic spending amount before you play.
2. Choose the maximum time you will spend in the session.
3. Apply any available limits or reminders before depositing or starting a game.
4. Stop when a limit is reached and do not try to recover losses immediately.
5. Review your gambling activity regularly and change your plans if they are no longer suitable.
6. Take a longer break or consider self-exclusion if you are finding it difficult to stop.

Gambling problems can develop gradually. Some people do not recognise the issue until gambling has affected their finances, relationships, health, work or study. You do not need to wait for serious harm before asking for help. If gambling is causing worry, conflict or loss of control, stopping and seeking support are sensible steps.

Possible warning signs include spending more time or money gambling than planned, feeling unable to stop, or repeatedly thinking about the next opportunity to play. You may also notice that you are increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to achieve the same excitement, or returning to gambling to win back money you have lost. These patterns can make it increasingly difficult to follow limits.

• You gamble to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• You return to gambling to recover losses.
• You increase your stakes or play for longer than intended.
• You feel restless, irritable, guilty or anxious when trying to cut back.
• You hide deposits, losses, sessions or account activity from people close to you.
• You have tried to stop or reduce your gambling but have not been able to do so.
• Gambling affects your sleep, physical health, work, study or relationships.
• You miss bills or other commitments because of gambling.
• You borrow money, use credit or sell possessions to continue gambling.
• You argue with family or friends about your gambling.
• You believe that a big win is necessary to solve your financial problems.
• You spend more time thinking about gambling than on other important parts of life.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and create some distance from it. Do not try to recover losses through further gambling. Chasing losses can increase financial and emotional pressure and may make it harder to stop. Consider blocking access to payment methods, removing saved payment details, taking a break from gambling websites and asking someone you trust to support your decision.

Speak openly with a partner, family member, friend, general practitioner or qualified counsellor. You do not have to manage the situation alone, and seeking help is not a sign of failure. If gambling has caused financial difficulty, consider speaking with an independent financial counsellor before taking out a loan, using more credit or making another deposit. A financial counsellor can help you understand your options and plan practical next steps.

Family members and friends can also be affected by someone else's gambling. They may experience financial stress, arguments, loss of trust or emotional pressure. They can seek independent advice, set appropriate boundaries, protect essential household funds and access support for themselves, even if the person gambling is not ready to seek help.

Australian players can seek confidential support from gambling counselling services, health professionals and community organisations. Gambling Help Online provides information, counselling and resources for people affected by gambling, including family members and friends. You may also contact a gambling support service in your state or territory, speak with your general practitioner or ask a qualified counsellor about available options.

Support can help you understand your gambling, make a plan to stop or reduce it, manage urges, address financial concerns and repair the effects on relationships. You can ask for help before a problem becomes severe. If you are supporting another person, professional advice can help you communicate clearly, establish boundaries and protect your own wellbeing.

Our responsible gambling approach

MD88 Casino encourages players to use responsible gambling information and any account controls made available through the website. Where appropriate and in accordance with applicable requirements and operating procedures, the service may provide information about limits, breaks, self-exclusion or support services. It may also request information needed to assist with a safer gambling arrangement.

Responsible gambling tools cannot remove every risk and should not replace personal judgement or professional advice. If you decide that gambling is no longer suitable for you, the safest choice is to stop and seek support. Please review the relevant website terms and account information for details about available controls, eligibility and how to request assistance.

You are responsible for complying with the laws that apply to you and for making sure gambling is lawful in your location. You should only use an online gambling service if you are legally permitted to do so and meet the applicable minimum age requirement. Keep your personal information accurate, protect your account credentials and do not allow another person to use your account.

If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe or at immediate risk of harming yourself or another person, contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in Australia. Your immediate safety comes first. Gambling losses, debt and other related problems can be addressed with appropriate help, and you do not have to deal with them on your own.