Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Responsible gambling means making deliberate choices about when, how often and how much you play. It involves keeping gambling within your entertainment budget and being aware that every bet carries a risk of loss. No betting strategy can guarantee a win, and past results do not predict future results. You should never chase losses, borrow money to gamble or gamble with funds needed for rent, bills, food, education or other essential expenses.

Set a budget before you begin and treat that amount as the maximum you are prepared to lose. Once the budget has been used, stop playing rather than adding more funds. It can also help to set a time limit, take regular breaks and avoid gambling when you are tired, upset, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or trying to cope with stress. Taking a break can give you the space to make a clear decision rather than an impulsive one.

Practical habits for safer play

• Decide your spending and time limits before opening a game or placing a bet.
• Keep gambling money separate from money used for household and personal expenses.
• Use available account tools to monitor activity and maintain your limits.
• Take frequent breaks and avoid long, uninterrupted sessions.
• Do not increase your stakes to try to recover previous losses.
• Do not gamble to prove a point, impress someone or respond to pressure from others.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are based on chance and cannot be controlled by a system or pattern.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling is becoming difficult to manage.

Gambling should never be presented as a reliable source of income. If you are considering gambling because of financial pressure, pause before playing and seek independent financial or personal support. A gambling win is never guaranteed, and a losing session should not be followed by attempts to win the money back.

Manage your account and activity

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to stay in control. Depending on the account features available to you, you may be able to set or request limits relating to deposits, spending, losses, session time or other activity. Read the information shown in your account carefully so you understand what each setting does, when it takes effect and whether any restrictions apply.

Use limits before you need them

A limit is most effective when it is set before a gambling session begins. Choose an amount and period that reflect your personal circumstances, not an amount based on what you hope to win. If you are unsure what a sensible limit may be, consider your regular income, essential costs, savings goals and other leisure spending. Gambling money should only come from funds you can afford to lose.

Review your activity regularly. Look at how much time you spend playing, how often you deposit and whether your gambling budget is increasing. Changes in behaviour can be easier to notice when you keep a simple record of your sessions and spending. If your activity is growing, your limits are difficult to follow or you feel uncomfortable when you stop, take a break and consider using a stronger restriction.

Taking a break or closing your account

If you want time away from gambling, use the available account break or restriction options, or contact the relevant support channel through the website. If you believe you need to stop gambling, ask about self-exclusion or account closure. Self-exclusion is a formal step intended to prevent access for an agreed period or in accordance with the applicable process. Follow the instructions carefully and do not create another account or use another person’s account while a restriction is in place.

Account controls are not a substitute for professional help. If you have repeatedly tried to stop and found it difficult, or if gambling has caused harm, seek support from an appropriate gambling counselling or health service in Australia. You can also speak with a trusted family member, friend, doctor or financial counsellor.

Recognise the warning signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may affect anyone. It is not defined only by the amount of money lost. The effect on your thoughts, time, relationships, work, study and daily responsibilities is also important. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Possible signs that gambling may be causing harm

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut back or stop.
• Chasing losses or believing that a win is needed to put things right.
• Gambling with money set aside for bills, savings or other commitments.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or hiding transactions to continue gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Missing work, study, family commitments or social activities because of gambling.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or keeping your activity secret.
• Using gambling to escape sadness, stress, loneliness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.

One or more of these signs may indicate that it is time to stop and seek assistance. Try not to minimise the issue or rely on a future win to resolve it. Write down what is happening, remove access to available gambling funds where possible and tell someone you trust. A support professional can help you make a practical plan without judgement.

Support for family and friends

Gambling harm can affect partners, family members, friends and other people who share financial or emotional responsibilities. If someone else’s gambling is affecting you, you can seek support for yourself even if that person does not want help. Avoid covering up losses, providing money to continue gambling or taking responsibility for another adult’s gambling decisions without advice. Consider protecting shared finances and getting independent financial or counselling support.

Age, access and getting help

Online gambling is intended for adults who meet the applicable age and legal requirements. You must not use an account or gamble if you are under the minimum legal age, are not permitted to gamble in your location or are using another person’s identity or payment method. Parents and guardians should take reasonable steps to prevent children and young people from accessing gambling websites, devices, payment methods or account information.

Helpful protective steps may include using device-level parental controls, keeping passwords private, enabling appropriate account security and checking who can access shared devices. Do not allow another person to gamble through your account, and do not ask another person to place bets on your behalf. If you believe an account is being used by someone else or by a person who may be underage, stop using the account and raise the concern through the website’s support process.

Where to find support in Australia

If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, contact a gambling support service available in your state or territory. Australian gambling counselling services can provide confidential information, practical strategies and referrals to other forms of assistance. You may also speak with your GP, a qualified mental health professional, a financial counsellor or a trusted support person.

If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe or at immediate risk of harming yourself or another person, stop gambling and seek urgent help through the appropriate emergency or crisis service in your area. Your safety comes first. You do not need to explain or justify your gambling before asking for assistance.

Our approach

Big Candy Casino provides responsible gaming information to help players make informed choices. Information, account tools and support processes may vary according to your account, location and applicable requirements. Please read the relevant website information and account notices carefully. Responsible gambling is a shared effort, but the safest choice for anyone experiencing harm is to stop gambling and obtain independent support.