Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gambling

Responsible gambling means making informed decisions about when, how often and how much you play. It also means understanding that casino games are based on chance. Every game outcome is independent, and previous results do not make a future win more or less likely. There is no guaranteed strategy for winning, and a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to gamble.

Harbour 33 Casino encourages players to set personal boundaries before playing and to review those boundaries regularly. A safer approach is to decide on a gambling budget using money that you can afford to lose, set a time limit, and stop when either limit has been reached. Your gambling budget should not come from money needed for rent, bills, food, education, medical care or other essential expenses.

Gambling is not suitable for everyone. You should not gamble if you are under the legal age, if gambling is prohibited where you live, or if you are unable to stay within limits that you have set. Do not gamble while affected by alcohol, drugs, strong emotions, stress or tiredness, as these factors can make it harder to make careful decisions.

Key principles for safer play

• Gamble for entertainment, rather than as a source of income.
• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not increase it to chase a loss.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the game.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household spending.
• Never borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to fund gambling.
• Do not chase losses or believe that a win is due after a series of losses.
• Avoid gambling when upset, under pressure, intoxicated or unable to concentrate.
• Keep your account information private and do not allow another person to gamble through your account.

Planning your play

A simple plan can help you stay in control. Before opening a game, decide how much money and time you are prepared to spend. Once you have reached either limit, end the session. It can be useful to write your limits down, use a timer, or ask a trusted person to help you remain accountable.

Money limits

Choose an amount that fits comfortably within your normal entertainment budget. Consider your income, regular commitments, debts and savings goals before deciding whether you can afford to gamble. Do not treat winnings as a reason to extend a session. If you win, consider ending your session and keeping the funds separate from your gambling budget.

If you notice that your gambling spend is increasing, take a break and review your account activity. Account statements, transaction records and play history may help you understand how much time and money you are actually spending. Looking only at individual deposits or sessions can make overall spending harder to recognise.

Time limits and breaks

Long or frequent sessions can affect judgement and make it easier to lose track of spending. Use reminders to take breaks, move away from the screen and do something unrelated to gambling. Make room for work, family, sleep, exercise and other interests. If gambling is taking priority over these parts of life, it may be time to pause and seek support.

Understanding game results

Games of chance do not have a memory. A run of losses does not make a win more likely, and a recent win does not mean another win is due. Avoid systems or claims that suggest losses can be reliably recovered through a particular pattern, stake size or betting sequence. Set limits based on what you can afford, not on the result you hope to achieve.

Recognising signs of gambling harm

Gambling can become difficult to control gradually. Some people may not recognise a problem until it affects their finances, relationships, work, studies or wellbeing. Early action can reduce harm. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before taking a break or asking for help.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Increasing the amount played to feel the same excitement.
• Trying to win back money after a loss.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling possessions to gamble.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty or low after gambling.
• Thinking about gambling during work, study, sleep or important activities.
• Missing bills, appointments, responsibilities or social events because of gambling.
• Attempting to stop or cut back but finding it difficult.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other problems.

One sign does not provide a diagnosis, but several signs may indicate that gambling is causing harm. If you recognise these experiences, stop gambling and speak with someone you trust or an appropriately qualified support service. A confidential conversation can help you understand your options without judgement.

Steps you can take now

1. Stop playing and take a break from your account.
2. Review your recent gambling activity and identify any changes in spending or frequency.
3. Tell a trusted friend, family member or support professional what is happening.
4. Remove easy access to gambling funds and avoid borrowing for gambling.
5. Use available account limits, deposit controls or self-exclusion options.
6. Seek assistance from an Australian gambling support service or another qualified provider.
7. If gambling has created financial pressure, consider speaking with a financial counsellor.

If gambling is contributing to severe distress or you believe you or another person is at immediate risk, stop gambling and seek urgent help through appropriate emergency or crisis support in your area.

Tools, breaks and self-exclusion

Harbour 33 Casino may provide account features intended to support safer play. Depending on the account and service available, these may include deposit limits, spending controls, session reminders, account activity information, cooling-off periods or self-exclusion. Features, eligibility and processing arrangements may vary, so review the information shown in your account and the applicable terms before using them.

Taking a cooling-off break

A cooling-off period is a temporary pause from gambling. It can be useful when you feel distracted, are spending more than planned, or simply want time away from gaming. During a break, do not create another account or use someone else’s account to continue gambling. Use the time to review your budget, speak with a trusted person and consider whether longer-term support would be helpful.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger step for players who want to stop gambling for a defined period or indefinitely. A self-exclusion request should be made carefully because it is intended to restrict access rather than provide a short pause. Once requested, follow the instructions provided by the service and do not attempt to bypass the restriction.

If you believe you may be at risk of gambling harm, consider using self-exclusion before the situation becomes more serious. You can also ask a trusted person to support you while you arrange the restriction. Self-exclusion may not remove every gambling opportunity outside Harbour 33 Casino, so consider using relevant exclusion and blocking options available through other providers, devices or financial services.

Account and access security

Your account is for your use only. Keep login details secure, use a strong password and sign out on shared devices. Do not give another person access to your account, and do not use another person’s account. If you think your account has been accessed by someone else, stop using it and raise the concern through the available account support process.

Support, age requirements and further information

Support is available for people who are concerned about their own gambling or someone else’s gambling. You can speak with a trusted person, a general practitioner, a qualified counsellor, a financial counsellor or an Australian gambling support service. These services may be able to provide confidential information, counselling, financial guidance and practical strategies for reducing or stopping gambling.

When looking for assistance, choose a service that is appropriate for your location and circumstances. Australian state and territory support programs may differ, and some services are available online or through local community organisations. Harbour 33 Casino does not replace professional advice, counselling or emergency assistance.

Protecting young people

Gambling services are intended for adults who meet the legal age and other requirements that apply in their location. Do not allow children or other underage people to access your account, device or payment methods. Use device controls, account security settings and supervision where appropriate. If you believe an underage person has accessed a gambling service, stop the activity and report the concern through the available support process.

Your responsibilities

You are responsible for complying with the laws that apply to you, providing accurate account information and using the service only when you are legally permitted to do so. You are also responsible for considering whether gambling is suitable for your personal, financial and health circumstances. If you are unsure, do not gamble until you have obtained appropriate advice.

This page provides general information and does not promise that gambling can be made risk-free. Responsible gambling tools can support better decisions, but they work best when used early and consistently. If your gambling is no longer enjoyable or within your control, the safest choice is to stop, restrict access and seek support.