Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk and outcomes are determined by chance. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can predict a winning result. Previous results do not affect future results, and a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to play. Treat every wager as an entertainment expense and only use money that you can afford to lose.

Before you start, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. These decisions are easier to make when you are calm and away from the excitement of play. Once you have reached your personal limit, stop gambling, even if you are winning or feel that a result is about to change.

• Set a gambling budget that is separate from rent, bills, food, savings and other essential expenses.
• Set a time limit before you begin and take regular breaks during play.
• Never borrow money, use credit intended for essentials or sell possessions to fund gambling.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to escape personal problems.
• Remember that gambling is not a reliable source of income and should not be treated as an investment.

Keeping a simple record of your deposits, wagers, wins, losses and time spent playing can help you maintain an accurate view of your activity. It is easy to focus on a recent win or individual result while overlooking the overall position. A complete record can support more informed decisions.

Tools to help you stay in control

Safer gambling tools are designed to help you manage your activity before it becomes difficult. Depending on the features available to you, these may include deposit limits, spending limits, session reminders, reality checks, temporary breaks or account closure. Consider using these tools even if you currently feel in control. Planning ahead can make it easier to follow your own decisions.

Set limits before playing

A limit should reflect your personal circumstances and disposable entertainment budget. Choose an amount that will not affect your everyday needs if it is lost. A limit is most useful when it is set before gambling begins, rather than changed during a session because of excitement, frustration or the desire to recover losses.

Take a break

A temporary break can provide time to review your gambling and focus on other activities. During a break, avoid opening another gambling account or using other services to continue playing. Use the time to speak with someone you trust, review your finances or contact a support service if gambling has caused concern.

Consider self-exclusion

If you want to stop gambling for a longer period, self-exclusion may be appropriate. Self-exclusion is a formal request to restrict access to your account or gambling services for a selected period or until further review, subject to the available process and applicable requirements. It should be treated as a serious commitment. Do not attempt to avoid a self-exclusion restriction by creating another account or using another person’s account.

If you would like to use a limit, take a break or ask about self-exclusion, review the responsible gambling options available in your account or contact the relevant support team through the available website channels. Do not share your account password or payment details with another person.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Gambling can become harmful gradually. You may not notice the change until it begins to affect your finances, relationships, work, study, sleep or wellbeing. You do not need to wait for a crisis before seeking help. Early support can make it easier to regain control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or feeling unable to stop during a session.
• Hiding or minimising your gambling, deposits, withdrawals or losses.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or experiencing financial stress because of gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or preoccupied when you cannot gamble.
• Gambling to cope with anxiety, sadness, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, family, friends, sleep, health or normal responsibilities.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or losing trust because of it.
• Continuing to gamble despite knowing it is causing harm.
• Feeling hopeless, overwhelmed or unsafe because of gambling-related problems.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop and take the concern seriously. Consider placing a break or self-exclusion request, protecting access to your money, and telling a trusted person what is happening. A qualified gambling support service can provide confidential guidance and help you develop a practical plan. Support is available whether you want to reduce your gambling, stop completely or understand someone else’s gambling.

Support and our commitment

People in Australia can seek confidential information and assistance from recognised gambling support services, including Gambling Help Online and services available in their state or territory. These services may offer counselling, information, financial guidance and support for affected family members or friends. You can also speak with a qualified health professional or a community support organisation.

If gambling is causing immediate danger, severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services in Australia. Your safety is more important than any account, wager or financial loss.

Pistolo Casino supports responsible participation and does not encourage excessive or harmful gambling. We may take steps to promote safer play, respond to concerns, apply account restrictions or request information where appropriate. Account access and gambling activity may be subject to verification, applicable requirements and our published terms.

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility. We encourage you to make informed choices, follow the limits you set and ask for help as soon as you are concerned. If you gamble, keep it within your budget, take regular breaks and remember that no win is guaranteed.

1. Decide your budget and time limit before playing.
2. Use available account controls to support your plan.
3. Stop when you reach a limit or begin to feel uncomfortable.
4. Do not chase losses or gamble with essential funds.
5. Talk to someone you trust or seek professional support if gambling is affecting your life.