Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gaming

Responsible gaming means staying in control of how you gamble, how often you play and how much you spend. It includes understanding that casino games are based on chance, accepting that losses can happen and making decisions based on a personal entertainment budget. No gambling outcome is guaranteed, and previous results do not change the odds of a future game.

Ruby Slots Casino provides responsible gaming information to help players make considered choices. This information is general in nature and is not financial, legal or medical advice. If gambling is affecting your money, relationships, work, study, sleep or wellbeing, consider speaking with a qualified support professional as soon as possible.

Gambling should never be treated as a source of income, an investment or a way to recover money that has already been lost. Avoid gambling with money needed for rent, bills, food, education, transport, savings or other essential expenses. Do not use borrowed money or credit to gamble, and do not increase your spending simply because you are trying to win back losses.

• Gamble only for entertainment and only with money you can afford to lose.
• Set a spending and time limit before you start playing.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when tired, upset, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Never chase losses or assume that a win is due after a series of losses.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Do not gamble to escape personal problems or difficult feelings.
• Ask for help early if your gambling feels difficult to control.

Responsible gambling also means understanding your own circumstances. Your financial position, mental health, relationships and other commitments can affect the way you make decisions. If you are experiencing stress or financial pressure, taking a complete break from gambling may be more appropriate than setting a smaller limit.

Set limits before you play

A practical way to stay in control is to decide your limits before gambling begins. Your limit should be based on your normal entertainment budget, not on the amount you hope to win. Once a limit has been reached, stop playing. Do not change the limit during a session because of excitement, frustration or the belief that a win is about to happen.

Money limits

Consider setting a daily, weekly or monthly amount for gambling. Keep this amount separate from money used for everyday living. If your financial circumstances change, reduce or pause your gambling rather than trying to maintain an earlier spending level. A written budget can help you see whether gambling fits comfortably within your discretionary spending.

Track your deposits, bets and losses so you have a clear view of your activity. Do not rely on the possibility of a future win when deciding whether you can afford to continue. If gambling costs more than planned, treat that as a reason to stop and review your habits rather than as a reason to deposit more.

Time limits

Decide how long you intend to play and use a timer or another reminder to help you stop. Online gambling can make time pass without being noticed, particularly during long sessions. Stand up, take a break, check the time and move to another activity. If you regularly play for longer than intended, consider a longer break or a formal restriction on your account.

Use available account controls

Where available, account controls may allow you to set deposit, spending, wagering or session limits, request a cooling-off period or restrict access for a chosen period. The availability and operation of these controls can depend on the service, applicable requirements and the terms applying to your account. Read the information carefully before selecting a limit, because some changes may not take effect immediately or may not be reversible during the selected period.

If you are unsure which control is suitable, stop playing and ask the relevant customer support team for general information about the options available to you. A limit is most effective when it is set before gambling takes place and respected consistently.

Recognise when gambling may be becoming a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It is not always obvious to the person gambling or to the people around them. You do not need to wait for a serious financial loss before taking action. Even one or two warning signs can be a good reason to pause and review your gambling.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling more often or using larger amounts.
• Feeling restless, irritable or uncomfortable when you try to stop.
• Thinking about gambling frequently during work, study, family time or other activities.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from other people.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing bills because of gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, anxiety or other difficult feelings.
• Continuing to gamble after deciding to stop or reduce your play.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about gambling.
• Losing interest in hobbies, responsibilities or social activities.
• Feeling regret, shame or distress after gambling but returning to play.
• Gambling while affected by alcohol or other substances.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop gambling and talk to someone you trust. A clear conversation with a partner, family member, friend, doctor or qualified counsellor can make it easier to take the next step. You can also contact a recognised gambling support service in Australia, such as Gambling Help Online or a local Gambling Help service, for confidential information and assistance.

If gambling is causing immediate financial, emotional or personal danger, prioritise your safety and seek urgent help from appropriate local emergency or health services. If you are worried about someone else, approach them calmly, avoid judgement and encourage them to access professional support.

Chasing losses

Chasing losses means continuing to gamble, increasing stakes or depositing more money in an attempt to recover previous losses. It can quickly make a difficult situation worse. Losses are not debts that a future game is required to repay, and no strategy can guarantee a win. If you notice that you are chasing losses, end the session, apply a restriction and seek support.

Taking a break or restricting access

A break from gambling can be useful whether you are concerned about your habits or simply want time away from play. You may choose to stop for a short period, close your account or request a longer self-exclusion where that option is available. Self-exclusion is a voluntary step that restricts access to gambling services for an agreed period or until a specified review process is completed.

Before taking a break, consider removing saved payment methods, turning off gambling-related notifications, blocking access to gambling websites or applications and telling a trusted person about your decision. Keeping a record of your reasons for taking a break may help when you feel tempted to return earlier than planned.

Do not create a new account or use another person’s account to avoid a restriction. Do not ask another person to gamble on your behalf. These actions can undermine the purpose of a break and may breach applicable account terms. If you believe you need a restriction, request it before making another deposit or starting another session.

A break or self-exclusion may not remove every gambling-related risk. You should also consider support for any financial, emotional or relationship issues connected with gambling. Professional services can help you build a plan, manage urges, review finances and work towards longer-term change.

Planning for urges to gamble

Urges can be easier to manage when you have a plan. Delay the decision to gamble, move away from the device you use to play and contact someone you trust. Replace the activity with exercise, a hobby, social time or another healthy distraction. Avoid situations, messages or payment options that make it easier to return to gambling impulsively.

Protecting yourself and others

Age and account security

Only people aged 18 or over should gamble. Adults must not allow children or other underage people to access a gambling account, payment method or gambling device. Keep account passwords, payment details and personal information private. Use device security settings, parental controls and account protections to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

Do not gamble on behalf of another person, allow another person to use your account or share access credentials. If you believe an underage person has accessed an account or gambling activity, stop the activity and raise the concern through the relevant support or account process.

Be aware of gambling promotions

Promotions and advertising should not be used as a reason to gamble beyond your limits. Read any applicable terms before accepting an offer and consider whether participating is appropriate for you. Declining promotional material or reducing gambling-related messages may make it easier to maintain your boundaries. A bonus, reward or promotional offer does not change the underlying chance of a game or guarantee a profit.

Getting help

If you want to discuss account restrictions or responsible gaming options, use the support channel made available by the service. For independent assistance in Australia, Gambling Help Online and local Gambling Help services can provide information, counselling and referral options. You can also speak with a general practitioner or mental health professional. Reaching out early is a practical step, not a sign of failure.

Responsible gambling is an ongoing choice. Review your limits regularly, pay attention to changes in your mood or finances and stop whenever gambling no longer feels affordable, controlled or enjoyable. Ruby Slots Casino encourages every player to put personal wellbeing first and to seek assistance whenever support is needed.