Responsible Gaming

Before opening a game, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. A budget is most useful when it is set in advance and treated as a firm boundary. Consider gambling money as an entertainment expense, similar to other leisure activities. Once the budget has been used, stop rather than making additional deposits.

It can help to separate gambling funds from money needed for rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, transport, education, savings or other essentials. Do not use credit, loans or funds belonging to another person. If gambling losses would create difficulty meeting your normal commitments, do not gamble.

Safer play checklist

1. Set a personal deposit, spending or loss limit before playing.
2. Choose a time limit and use an alarm or reminder to help you finish on time.
3. Record deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses so your overall position is clear.
4. Avoid chasing losses by increasing stakes or extending a playing session.
5. Do not assume that a win is due after a series of losses, or that a loss makes a win more likely.
6. Take a break if you feel frustrated, anxious, excited or determined to keep playing.
7. Review your gambling activity periodically and change your habits if they are no longer comfortable.

Gambling outcomes are independent events. Previous results do not change the probability of a future result. A game that has not produced a desired outcome is not necessarily more likely to do so next time. Understanding this can help prevent common misunderstandings about luck, streaks and so-called guaranteed systems.

Avoid gambling while distracted or when you are trying to cope with difficult emotions. Gambling may provide a short-term distraction, but it does not resolve the underlying cause of stress, sadness, anger or anxiety. Speaking with a trusted person or qualified professional may provide more useful support.

Gambling can become harmful gradually. You may not notice a problem immediately, especially if gambling is occasional or has not caused a significant financial loss. Concern may be indicated by changes in mood, behaviour, finances or relationships. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Increasing the amount staked to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying repeatedly to win back losses or feeling unable to stop after deciding to do so.
• Hiding gambling, deposits, losses or account activity from family, friends or colleagues.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using savings and essential funds to continue gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable, anxious or low when trying to reduce or stop.
• Gambling to escape personal problems or to manage difficult feelings.
• Experiencing conflict at home, reduced work performance or loss of interest in normal activities.

If any of these signs apply, stop gambling and consider using a break, limit, self-exclusion or account closure option. Speak openly with someone you trust and contact a qualified gambling counsellor or health professional. Australian players can look for recognised gambling support services, including Gambling Help Online and services available in their state or territory. These services can provide confidential information, counselling and guidance for people affected by gambling, as well as family members and friends.

If gambling has contributed to financial stress, consider speaking with a financial counsellor before taking on further debt or making additional deposits. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance through local emergency or crisis services. Support is available, and asking for help is a positive step.

Support for family and friends

The effects of problem gambling can extend to partners, relatives and friends. If someone else's gambling is affecting you, set boundaries around money and account access, avoid covering repeated losses where this may enable further gambling, and seek independent advice. You can contact a gambling support service even if the person who gambles is not ready to seek help.

For questions about available safer gambling controls, use the support options provided on the BitStarz Casino website. Do not share passwords, payment details or other sensitive information with anyone claiming to offer gambling assistance unless you have verified the relevant service. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal, financial or professional health advice.