Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gaming

Responsible gaming means staying in control of how, when and why you gamble. It involves understanding that casino games are games of chance, accepting that losses can happen, and making decisions that fit within your personal circumstances. PokerStars Casino provides this information to help players think carefully about their gambling and take action early if they have concerns.

No gambling activity can guarantee a profit. The outcome of a game is not changed by previous wins or losses, and a losing session does not create an obligation or opportunity to keep playing. Trying to win back money, increasing stakes after a loss or gambling for longer than planned can make it harder to remain in control.

Before playing, consider whether gambling is appropriate for you. You should only gamble if you meet the applicable legal age requirements, understand the relevant rules and can afford to lose the money you choose to spend. Gambling should never take priority over essential household costs, health, education, work, relationships or other responsibilities.

Key principles for safer play

• Treat gambling as paid entertainment rather than a source of income.
• Set a spending limit before you start and avoid exceeding it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Never chase losses or increase your stake to recover money.
• Do not gamble with borrowed money, credit needed for essentials or money set aside for bills.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Keep gambling separate from important financial decisions.
• Do not allow gambling to interfere with work, study, family, sleep or other commitments.

Set boundaries before you play

A plan made before gambling is easier to follow than a decision made during an exciting or stressful session. Decide how much money and time you are comfortable spending, and treat those amounts as a firm boundary. Your limit should be based on your available entertainment budget after essential expenses have been paid.

If account tools are available, use them to support your plan. These may include deposit limits, wagering or spending controls, session reminders, time limits, reality checks, activity statements and temporary breaks. The availability and operation of a particular tool may depend on the account, product or applicable requirements. Read the instructions carefully and choose controls that are realistic for you.

Ways to make your limits easier to follow

1. Set your limit before opening a game or making a deposit.
2. Use a separate entertainment budget and keep records of deposits, withdrawals and losses.
3. Avoid changing a limit during a session because you feel frustrated, excited or confident.
4. Take a break when a reminder appears, even if you are in the middle of a winning or losing run.
5. Turn off gambling notifications or promotional messages if they encourage you to play when you had not planned to do so.
6. Ask someone you trust to help you review your plan if you find it difficult to follow.
7. Use a longer break or account exclusion if short breaks do not give you enough distance from gambling.

Limits are most effective when they are supported by practical choices outside the account. Consider removing saved payment details, keeping gambling apps away from your main screen, avoiding gambling-related content and spending time on activities that do not involve gambling. These steps can reduce impulsive decisions and give you more time to reflect.

If you change your mind about gambling during a session, stopping is a positive decision. You do not need to continue because you have already deposited, because you are close to a result or because you believe a win is due. Previous activity does not determine the next outcome.

Recognise signs that gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. A person may first notice small changes in their spending, mood or routine and only later realise that gambling has become difficult to control. There is no need to wait for a serious financial or personal crisis before seeking help. If gambling is causing concern, support is appropriate at any stage.

Warning signs to consider

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Frequently thinking about gambling, planning the next session or feeling restless when not playing.
• Trying to win back losses or believing that a big win will solve financial problems.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to achieve the same excitement.
• Hiding gambling, losses or account activity from family, friends or other people.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments because of gambling.
• Using money intended for rent, food, bills, savings or other necessities.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty, ashamed or low after gambling.
• Arguing with family, losing sleep, missing work or study, or withdrawing from usual activities.
• Attempting to stop or cut back but returning to gambling soon afterwards.
• Using alcohol or other substances while gambling or to cope with gambling-related feelings.
• Continuing to gamble even though it is affecting your health, relationships or financial situation.

One sign does not provide a diagnosis, but it can be a reason to pause and review your behaviour. Consider taking a complete break, using account exclusion tools and speaking with a qualified support service. You can also tell someone you trust what is happening. A confidential conversation may make it easier to take the next step.

If you are worried about another person, focus on the behaviour and its impact rather than blaming or shaming them. Explain what you have noticed, listen without judgement and encourage them to seek professional help. Protect your own finances by keeping your accounts, payment methods and important documents secure. Support is available for family members and friends as well as people who gamble.

Taking a break or stopping gambling

A temporary break can help you regain perspective and decide what you want to do next. A longer break or self-exclusion may be more suitable if you are finding it hard to control your gambling, have experienced financial harm or do not want to gamble at all. Account controls are not a substitute for professional support, but they can create useful distance while you seek help.

Consider these steps

1. Stop playing and avoid making further deposits while you decide on your next step.
2. Use the available account break, exclusion or restriction options that match your circumstances.
3. Remove access to payment methods that you use for gambling and review your recent transactions.
4. Tell a trusted person that you are taking a break and ask them to help you stay accountable.
5. Contact a gambling support service for confidential advice about your options.
6. Speak with a financial counsellor if gambling has affected bills, debts, savings or other obligations.
7. Consider support for stress, anxiety, depression or other concerns that may be connected with gambling.
8. Make a plan for activities, routines and social contact during your break.

If you have self-excluded or chosen a restriction, do not try to bypass it by opening another account, using another person’s account or asking someone else to gamble on your behalf. Account sharing can also create security, privacy and verification risks. If you believe a restriction is not working as intended, use the relevant support or account management channel rather than attempting to work around it.

Stopping gambling can feel difficult, particularly if it has become part of your daily routine. Urges usually pass, and having a plan can help. Delay the decision, leave the gambling environment, contact someone you trust, go for a walk or focus on another activity. If you feel unable to stay safe or are experiencing a serious personal crisis, contact local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service immediately.

Support and further information

You do not have to manage gambling concerns alone. In Australia, free or confidential support may be available through gambling help services, qualified counsellors, financial counsellors, health professionals and community organisations. Gambling Help Online is an Australian source of information and support for people affected by gambling, including family members and friends. Your state or territory may also provide local services and referral options.

A doctor or mental health professional can help if gambling is linked with anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems or substance use. A financial counsellor can help you understand debts, prioritise essential payments and create a practical recovery plan. It is often helpful to seek both financial and emotional support, because gambling can affect each area at the same time.

When seeking help

• Be honest about how often you gamble, how much money is involved and whether you have tried to stop.
• Keep records of deposits, withdrawals, debts and unpaid bills if this information is safe to collect.
• Ask about confidentiality, available support and what the first appointment will involve.
• Include a trusted family member or friend if you would like practical help or accountability.
• Follow up if the first service is not the right fit; another service may better match your needs.

PokerStars Casino provides responsible gaming information for players who want to make informed choices. This page is general information and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Gambling rules, support services and account features can change, so check the relevant terms, account information and Australian support resources for current guidance.

If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, taking action now is worthwhile. Set a boundary, take a break, speak with a trusted person or contact a support service. Asking for help is a responsible step, and you can begin even if you are not certain how serious the situation is.