Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Before you play, consider why you are gambling and how it fits into your budget and daily routine. Casino games are games of chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Previous results do not predict future results, and a losing session does not make a win more likely. Similarly, a win does not mean that another win is due. Every game and wager should be considered separately.

Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose after essential expenses have been paid. Gambling funds should never come from rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, education, medical costs or money reserved for important commitments. Do not borrow money, use credit irresponsibly or sell possessions to fund gambling. If your entertainment budget has been used, stop playing until you have reviewed your circumstances.

Avoid trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble or increasing your stakes. This behaviour is often called chasing losses and can lead to greater financial and emotional harm. The amount you have lost does not change the odds of a future result. Stopping after a loss may feel difficult, but it is usually safer than making further decisions while upset or under pressure.

Helpful habits

• Set a spending limit before you start and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals and the time spent gambling.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or affected by other substances.
• Do not gamble to escape personal problems, loneliness, stress or difficult emotions.
• Treat wins as part of entertainment rather than as regular income.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household money, savings and credit commitments.
• Stop playing when gambling is no longer enjoyable or feels difficult to control.

Set boundaries before you play

A personal gambling plan can make it easier to stay in control. Decide in advance how much money and time you are prepared to spend, then stop when either limit is reached. Making these decisions before a session can reduce the chance of impulsive choices during play. It may also help to tell someone you trust about the limits you have chosen, particularly if you are concerned that you may find them difficult to maintain.

Questions to ask yourself

• Can I afford this spending without affecting my normal financial commitments?
• Am I comfortable with the amount of time I plan to spend playing?
• Would I still choose to gamble if I could not win anything?
• Have I recently increased my stakes or frequency of play?
• Am I hiding my gambling activity or spending from people close to me?
• Am I gambling to win back money that I have already lost?
• How will I respond if I lose the amount I planned to spend?
• Would taking a break help me make a clearer decision?

If your answers raise concerns, consider not playing and seeking independent support. You can review your account activity and use any available controls before making another deposit. A short pause can provide an opportunity to reassess your choices without pressure. You do not need to wait for a serious financial loss before deciding to change your gambling habits.

Account and play controls

Where available, responsible gaming controls may allow you to set deposit, spending, loss or session limits, view activity information, take a temporary break or request a longer period of self-exclusion. The controls and conditions may vary according to the service, your account and applicable requirements. Read the information shown before confirming a limit or break, as some changes may not take effect immediately or may remain in place for a selected period.

Use limits as a way to support your decisions, rather than as a target to reach. A limit is most effective when it reflects an amount and period that you have considered carefully. Review your settings regularly, especially if your income, expenses, living arrangements or personal circumstances change.

Take a break or self-exclude

If you feel that gambling is becoming difficult to manage, stopping access can be an important step. You may be able to request a temporary account break or self-exclusion through the responsible gaming options available on the site. A break is intended to create time away from gambling, while self-exclusion is a more significant decision to prevent or restrict access for a chosen period or until a review is completed.

Before starting a break or self-exclusion, withdraw any available balance where the relevant terms allow and make sure you understand how the process works. Read the confirmation information carefully and keep a record of the restriction. Do not open another account or use another person’s account while excluded. Trying to bypass an exclusion can make it harder to regain control and may result in action under the applicable account terms.

Practical steps

1. Decide whether you need a short break, a longer exclusion or complete support with stopping gambling.
2. Use the responsible gaming controls available through your account or the site.
3. Read the confirmation information carefully and note when the restriction begins.
4. Tell a trusted person that you have chosen to take a break, if you feel comfortable doing so.
5. Remove saved payment details and avoid gambling websites or applications during the selected period.
6. Plan other activities to fill the time you would normally spend gambling.
7. Seek independent assistance if you are finding it difficult to maintain the break.

A break or self-exclusion is not a substitute for professional help where gambling is causing harm. If you have experienced financial loss, conflict, distress or difficulty stopping, support from a qualified counsellor, health professional or gambling help service may be appropriate. Support can also help partners, family members and friends who are affected by another person’s gambling.

Recognise signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it may affect anyone. The signs are not always obvious to the person gambling or to those around them. You may wish to seek advice if gambling is taking more time, money or attention than you intended, even if you have not experienced a major loss. Asking for help early can make it easier to understand the situation and take practical steps.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more than planned or repeatedly increasing the amount wagered.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or feeling unable to stop during a session.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing bills because of gambling.
• Keeping gambling secret, lying about it or becoming defensive when asked.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when attempting to reduce or stop.
• Thinking about gambling during work, study, family time or other activities.
• Neglecting sleep, health, relationships or other responsibilities.
• Selling possessions or using savings to continue gambling.
• Gambling to manage stress, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop.
• Feeling regret, shame or distress but continuing to gamble.
• Needing to gamble more often or spend more money to experience the same excitement.

If any of these signs feel familiar, you do not need to wait for the situation to become more serious. Stop playing, use the available account controls and speak with someone you trust. A qualified gambling counsellor can help you understand what is happening and develop practical steps that suit your circumstances. You can seek help even if you are uncertain whether your gambling is a problem.

Protect your wellbeing

Gambling should not interfere with sleep, exercise, relationships, employment, study or other activities that support your wellbeing. Take regular time away from screens and avoid making gambling decisions when you are angry, depressed, anxious or under the influence of alcohol or other substances. If gambling is affecting your mental health or causing severe distress, contact a qualified health professional or seek urgent help.

Support and further information

Players in Australia can seek confidential advice from a recognised gambling support service in their state or territory, a qualified health professional or a financial counsellor. These services may assist with gambling concerns, budgeting, debt, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Information may also be available through government health services and community organisations. Choose a service that is independent and appropriate for your needs.

If gambling has contributed to severe distress or you believe you may be at immediate risk of harm, stop gambling and contact local emergency services or seek urgent assistance from a health professional. Ask a trusted person to stay with you while you get help if that would make you feel safer. Your safety is more important than an account, a balance or any gambling outcome.

Our approach to responsible gaming

Wildcard City Casino provides responsible gaming information to help players make informed decisions. We may use account activity, verification processes and available play controls to support safer participation and meet applicable obligations. Responsible gaming features are designed to assist with control, but they cannot remove all gambling risk or replace personal judgement and professional support.

Players are responsible for reading relevant account information, using available limits and keeping login details secure. Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not gamble on behalf of someone else. If you have questions about a responsible gaming option, review the information provided on the site or use the current support channel displayed by Wildcard City Casino.

By choosing to gamble, you should do so only where you are legally permitted to participate and in accordance with applicable terms, age requirements and local rules. Responsible gambling starts with an informed choice, a realistic budget and the willingness to stop when gambling is no longer enjoyable or manageable.