Responsible Gaming

Gamble Responsibly

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Every wager is an independent event, and previous results do not affect future outcomes. A winning streak cannot be relied upon, and a loss does not make a win more likely. Before you play, consider whether gambling fits comfortably within your circumstances and whether you can afford to lose the money you spend.

Responsible gambling means keeping gambling within reasonable financial and time limits. It also means treating gambling as entertainment rather than as a source of income. Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills, food, education, medical care or other essential expenses. Do not borrow money, use credit to chase losses or ask others to fund your play.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Decide how much money and time you are comfortable spending before you start.
• Set a gambling budget that is separate from household and essential expenses.
• Use available deposit, spend, loss or session limits where offered.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing for longer than planned.
• Do not increase your stakes to recover losses.
• Keep track of deposits, wagers, wins and losses so you understand your overall activity.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, intoxicated or under financial pressure.
• Do not gamble as a way to earn income or resolve debt.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if you are concerned about your gambling.
• Remember that taking a break is always an appropriate choice.

It can be helpful to make a personal gambling plan before opening an account or beginning a session. Write down the amount you can afford to lose, the length of time you intend to play and the signs that will tell you to stop. Follow the plan even when you are winning, losing or feeling confident. A plan is most useful when it is made before emotions influence your decisions.

Tools and Account Controls

Sahara Sands Casino may provide account controls designed to support safer play. Depending on the service and your account, these controls may include deposit limits, wagering or loss limits, session reminders, activity information, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion options. Availability, processing requirements and the effect of each control may vary. Review the information shown in your account and use the relevant support pathway if you need help understanding an option.

Limits

A limit can help you manage the amount you deposit or spend over a chosen period. Select an amount that is affordable and consistent with your personal budget. A limit should not be treated as a target to spend. If you reach it, stop gambling rather than looking for another way to continue. Changes to limits may be subject to confirmation, waiting periods or other account safeguards.

Breaks and cooling-off periods

A short break can help you step away from gambling and review your behaviour. During a cooling-off period, access to some or all gambling services may be restricted for the selected period. Use a break whenever gambling stops feeling enjoyable, begins to interfere with other activities or feels difficult to control.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger account restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a defined period or longer. If you choose self-exclusion, do not attempt to open another account, use another person’s account or bypass the restriction. You should also consider blocking gambling advertising, removing saved payment methods and asking a trusted person to support your decision.

Account controls are support measures, not a guarantee against gambling harm. They work best when combined with honest self-assessment, a realistic budget and help from qualified professionals where needed.

Recognising Gambling Harm

Gambling can become harmful gradually. Some people may not notice a problem until gambling affects their finances, relationships, work, study, sleep or mental health. There is no need to wait for a crisis before seeking support. If gambling is causing concern, stopping or reducing play and speaking with an independent support service can be important first steps.

Warning signs may include

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss.
• Increasing bets because previous amounts no longer feel exciting.
• Feeling restless, anxious or irritable when you try to stop.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or using essential funds to gamble.
• Missing work, study, appointments or social commitments because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Using gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed or unable to control your behaviour.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial, relationship or emotional problems.

One warning sign may be enough to justify taking a break and reviewing your gambling. Several signs may indicate that professional support would be useful. Speak with a qualified gambling counsellor, mental health professional, financial counsellor or trusted person. Support is available for people who gamble as well as for family members, partners and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

If gambling has contributed to serious distress or you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek urgent help through local emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia. Your safety is more important than any gambling account or financial loss.

Support, Age Restrictions and Our Approach

Independent support is available in Australia through gambling-help services, state and territory support programs, financial counselling services, mental health professionals and community organisations. These services can provide confidential information, counselling, practical guidance and support for affected family members. Search for a recognised Australian gambling support service in your state or territory, or speak with your doctor or another qualified health professional.

Gambling services are intended for adults only. Do not allow children or other underage people to access your account. Keep your login details, devices and payment methods secure, and log out when you have finished. If you share a device, use appropriate privacy and parental-control settings. Never provide your account to another person or allow another person to gamble through it.

Sahara Sands Casino may use account reviews and other safeguards to support safer gambling, comply with applicable requirements and identify activity that may require attention. We may ask questions or request information where appropriate. These measures cannot identify every risk or replace your own responsibility to monitor your gambling.

A simple check before you play

1. Can I afford to lose the amount I plan to spend?
2. Have I set a time limit and a spending limit?
3. Am I gambling for entertainment rather than to solve a problem?
4. Am I calm, alert and free from alcohol or other substances?
5. Will I be comfortable telling someone I trust about this session?
6. Do I know how to pause, limit or close my account if I need to?

If you cannot answer these questions comfortably, do not play. Take a break, use the available account controls and seek independent support. For help with safer gambling options or account restrictions, use the support pathway available through Sahara Sands Casino. We encourage every player to make informed choices, recognise risks early and put their wellbeing first.