Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Responsible gaming means understanding that casino games are based on chance and that outcomes cannot be predicted or controlled. Every bet carries a risk of loss. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can ensure a win, and previous results do not determine future results.

Gambling should be treated as paid entertainment, similar to other activities where you spend money for enjoyment. It should not be viewed as a source of income, a way to pay bills or a method of recovering money that has already been lost. Only gamble with money that you can comfortably afford to lose.

Before you play

• Only gamble if you are of legal gambling age in your location.
• Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending before you begin.
• Use money set aside for entertainment, never money needed for rent, food, bills or other essentials.
• Accept that losses are part of gambling and cannot always be recovered.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, affected by alcohol or affected by other substances.
• Take regular breaks and make time for work, family, friends, exercise and other interests.
• Never borrow money or use credit to continue gambling.
• Do not gamble to escape difficult feelings or personal problems.

A budget is most useful when it is set in advance and followed consistently. Consider both a spending limit and a time limit. If either limit is reached, stop playing. Increasing a limit during a session can make it harder to maintain control, especially after a loss or during an extended period of play.

It is also helpful to keep gambling separate from your everyday financial commitments. Pay essential expenses first and review your available entertainment budget before deciding whether to play. If your financial circumstances change, reduce or stop gambling rather than trying to maintain previous spending.

Set limits and stay in control

Planning your gambling in advance can help you keep it within your personal boundaries. Koru Casino encourages players to make use of responsible gaming controls that may be available through their account or by contacting the relevant support channel. The controls available to you may depend on the service and your circumstances.

Helpful controls may include

• Deposit limits that restrict the amount added to an account over a selected period.
• Wagering or spending limits that help manage the amount used for play.
• Loss limits that support a planned maximum loss.
• Session or time reminders that prompt you to review how long you have been playing.
• Cooling-off periods that allow you to take a short break from gambling.
• Temporary account closures for a set period.
• Self-exclusion, which prevents access to gambling for a chosen period or until further review.

Read the information provided with each control carefully before choosing one. A limit should reflect what you can comfortably afford to lose, rather than what you hope to win. If a limit feels difficult to set, or you keep changing it to continue playing, this may be a sign that you should take a longer break and seek support.

Self-exclusion is a stronger option for anyone who wants to stop gambling. If you request self-exclusion, do not attempt to open another account or use another person’s account. Ask people close to you to support your decision, and consider using device or payment controls that can make gambling harder to access.

Keep your account personal

Your account should only be used by you. Do not allow another person to gamble using your account, and do not use someone else’s account. Keeping accounts personal helps protect your limits, account information and responsible gaming choices. If you believe another person may be accessing your account, stop using it and raise the concern through the appropriate support channel.

Do not try to bypass a deposit limit, cooling-off period or self-exclusion by creating another account or using another person’s details. If a control is not working as expected, stop gambling and ask for assistance before continuing.

Recognising signs of concern

Gambling problems can develop gradually. A person may not notice the change at first, or may feel that they can regain control without help. Early action can make it easier to prevent further harm. Consider your gambling carefully if any of the following situations apply.

• You spend more time or money gambling than you planned.
• You increase your bets to try to recover losses.
• You feel restless, irritated or uncomfortable when you cannot gamble.
• You hide gambling activity, losses or account information from family or friends.
• You borrow money, sell belongings or use money intended for essential expenses.
• You cancel plans, miss work or study, or lose interest in other activities because of gambling.
• You gamble to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• You repeatedly try to stop or cut back but do not manage to do so.
• Gambling causes arguments, financial pressure or problems in your relationships.
• You feel shame, anxiety, hopelessness or distress because of your gambling.
• You think about gambling frequently or find it difficult to focus on other activities.
• You continue gambling despite knowing that it is causing harm.

One sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling problem, but it is worth taking seriously. If gambling is affecting your money, health, relationships, work or study, stop playing and talk with someone you trust. You do not need to wait until the situation becomes severe before asking for help.

A simple self-check

Ask yourself whether gambling is still affordable, enjoyable and under your control. Think about what happens before, during and after a gambling session. If you feel a strong urge to continue, chase losses or keep gambling despite negative consequences, take a break immediately. Writing down your deposits, bets, losses, time spent and feelings can help you identify patterns that may otherwise be easy to overlook.

It can also help to ask a trusted person for an honest view of your gambling. People close to you may notice changes in your mood, spending or routines before you do. Listening to their concerns does not mean that you must make every decision immediately, but it can be an important reason to pause and review your habits.

Getting help and taking a break

Support is available in Australia for people affected by gambling, as well as for family members, friends and other people who are concerned. You can contact Gambling Help Online or a gambling support service in your state or territory for confidential information, counselling and practical guidance. These services can help you understand your options, make a plan and manage the effects of gambling on your finances and relationships.

You can also speak with your general practitioner, a qualified counsellor or a mental health professional. A trusted family member or friend may be able to help you take a break, review your finances or avoid situations that trigger gambling. Asking for support is a practical step and does not mean you have failed.

If you want to stop now

1. Stop playing and do not try to recover recent losses.
2. Use any available cooling-off, account closure or self-exclusion option.
3. Remove saved payment methods and avoid keeping easy access to gambling funds.
4. Tell a trusted person what you are doing and ask them to support your decision.
5. Contact an Australian gambling support service for advice suited to your situation.
6. Review bills, debts and other financial commitments, and seek financial counselling if needed.
7. Plan alternative activities for the times and situations when you usually gamble.

A break can be useful even if you are not sure whether your gambling is a problem. During a break, avoid gambling websites, applications and promotional material where possible. Spend time on activities that do not involve gambling and reflect on how you feel without access to play.

If gambling has contributed to serious distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help from emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia. Your immediate safety is more important than any gambling account, balance or loss.

Our responsible gaming approach

Koru Casino aims to provide clear information so players can make informed decisions about gambling. We support the use of personal limits, breaks and self-exclusion where these options are available. Responsible gaming tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when combined with honest budgeting, awareness of your behaviour and support from people or services you trust.

We may take steps where there are concerns about an account, a player’s wellbeing or compliance with applicable requirements. This can include requesting information, applying restrictions or reviewing access. Any account action will be handled in line with the applicable terms, policies and legal obligations.

We cannot guarantee that every responsible gaming measure will remove all risks associated with gambling. Players remain responsible for making informed choices, following their selected limits and seeking help when gambling becomes difficult to control. If you are unsure whether gambling is suitable for you, the safest option is not to gamble.

Important reminders

• Gambling outcomes are uncertain, and a win is never guaranteed.
• Losses should not be chased or treated as money that is owed to you.
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Set limits before playing and respect them.
• Take a break if gambling stops being enjoyable or starts causing concern.
• Do not borrow money or use essential funds for gambling.
• Do not gamble while affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Help is available even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem.
• Family members and friends can also seek advice if someone else’s gambling is affecting them.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing choice. Review your habits regularly, keep gambling within your budget and act early if your circumstances change. If a limit is reached, stop playing rather than increasing it. If you have chosen to take a break or self-exclude, respect that decision and use the support available to you.