Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Before you play, take a moment to consider why you are gambling and how it fits within your wider budget. Gambling outcomes are based on chance. No strategy, pattern, system or previous result can guarantee a win, and a losing result does not make a win more likely next time. Treat any money spent as an entertainment cost rather than an investment or source of income.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses and other financial commitments have been covered. Never use money set aside for rent, bills, food, education, savings or debts. Avoid gambling with borrowed money, credit that you cannot repay or funds needed by family members. If gambling is affecting your financial security, stop playing and seek independent support.

Helpful habits

• Set a time and spending budget before you begin, and do not increase it while playing.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday spending where possible so that your activity is easier to monitor.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when you are tired, upset, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses or increase stakes to try to recover money that has already been lost.
• Remember that wins are not guaranteed and that gambling is not a reliable way to earn money.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if you are concerned about your gambling.
• Do not gamble if you are under 18 or if you are not legally permitted to participate.

It can also help to keep a simple record of the time and money you spend. Reviewing your activity regularly may make it easier to notice changes in your habits before they become a serious concern.

Tools to help you stay in control

Personal limits can help you make decisions in advance rather than during a period of excitement, frustration or pressure. Depending on the features available on your account, you may be able to set limits relating to deposits, wagers, losses, time or account access. Read the information provided when selecting a limit and choose an amount and period that suit your circumstances.

A limit is most useful when you set it before you start playing. Do not select a limit based on the amount you hope to win, and do not treat a limit as a target to spend. If you reach your chosen limit, stop playing for the relevant period. Limits may not change immediately in every situation, so you should not continue gambling while waiting for a requested change to take effect.

Consider using these safeguards

• Set a realistic deposit or spending limit that reflects your entertainment budget.
• Set a time reminder before opening a gaming session and stop when the reminder ends.
• Use account history or statements to review deposits, wagers, withdrawals and playing time.
• Remove saved payment methods or reduce access to funds if this helps you maintain control.
• Take a voluntary break when you need time away from gambling.
• Request a longer account restriction or self-exclusion if a short break is not enough.
• Ask a trusted person to support you with your plan, where appropriate.

If you believe you may be gambling at harmful levels, consider stopping completely rather than trying to control the activity on your own. Account restrictions and self-exclusion are important tools, but they work best alongside practical changes, honest conversations and professional advice. Do not create another account or use another person's account to get around a restriction.

Recognising signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect anyone, including people who have gambled casually for a long time. The issue is not only how much money is spent. It may also involve time, stress, relationships, work, study, sleep and overall wellbeing. Some people may not recognise a problem until the consequences have become difficult to manage.

You may wish to pause and seek advice if any of the following signs apply to you or someone close to you:

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back losses by placing larger or more frequent bets.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Keeping gambling secret, hiding transactions or giving misleading explanations.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or missing bills because of gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, family, friends, sleep or personal responsibilities.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or its financial effects.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut down but finding it difficult to do so.
• Feeling shame, hopelessness or distress because of gambling.

One sign may be enough reason to take a break and speak with someone. You do not need to wait for a crisis before getting support. A qualified counsellor or financial counsellor can help you understand your options without judgement. Support may also be useful for family members, partners and friends who are affected by another person's gambling.

If you are worried right now

Stop gambling and avoid trying to recover losses through further play. Consider blocking access to gambling services, securing your finances and telling a trusted person what is happening. If you are experiencing severe distress or believe you may be at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an appropriate urgent support service in your area.

Getting help in Australia

Free and confidential help may be available through gambling support services in your state or territory. Australian gambling support organisations can provide counselling, information about self-exclusion and account restrictions, financial guidance, and assistance for people affected by someone else's gambling. You can look for current services through official Australian government, state or territory health, and gambling-help websites.

You can also speak with your general practitioner, a qualified counsellor, a financial counsellor or another health professional. These services can help with gambling concerns as well as related issues such as anxiety, depression, debt, relationship difficulties or substance use. If you prefer not to speak with someone you know, consider an approved telephone, online or face-to-face support service available in Australia.

Our approach to safer gambling

Sapphire Casino aims to provide clear responsible gaming information and encourage players to make informed decisions. We may ask for information to confirm identity, age or account details and may take steps where activity raises responsible gaming concerns. Any account review, restriction or other action is handled in line with applicable requirements and the information available to us.

Responsible gaming tools are not a substitute for professional help, and no online measure can remove every risk. Players remain responsible for using the available controls, keeping account information secure and complying with applicable laws and account terms. If you have concerns about your gambling, do not wait for a limit or restriction to solve the problem. Stop playing and seek independent assistance.

1. Decide whether gambling is suitable for you before opening an account or starting a session.
2. Set a budget and time limit that you can afford to maintain.
3. Use available deposit, spending, time-out or self-exclusion tools.
4. Review your activity and respond honestly to any warning signs.
5. Seek support early if gambling affects your money, relationships, work, health or mood.
6. Do not gamble underage, on behalf of another person or while affected by alcohol or drugs.

For more information about the responsible gaming options available on your account, review the relevant account, help or safer gambling information before you play. If you need assistance with gambling harm, use an independent Australian support service or speak with a qualified professional.