Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and losses can occur. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or outcome that can ensure a profit. Games are based on chance or other uncertain results, so past wins do not make a future win more likely. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential living costs and financial commitments have been covered.

A responsible approach starts before you play. Decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending, and consider what you will do if you reach that limit. Avoid making decisions while upset, tired, intoxicated or under pressure. Do not borrow money, use essential funds or sell possessions to continue gambling.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before you start and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from your device.
• Keep gambling separate from rent, bills, food, savings and other important expenses.
• Do not chase losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer.
• Do not rely on gambling winnings to meet financial obligations.
• Avoid gambling when you are affected by alcohol, drugs, stress, anger or sadness.
• Keep track of deposits, withdrawals, spending and the time you spend playing.
• Do not gamble with money that belongs to another person or is needed by your family.
• Take a break if gambling no longer feels like a choice or an enjoyable activity.
• Talk to someone you trust if you are concerned about your gambling.

Players in Australia must meet the applicable minimum age and legal requirements before using gambling services. Young people should not be permitted to access a gambling account. Keep account details, passwords and payment methods secure, and do not allow another person to use your account.

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, physical health and emotional wellbeing. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the problem until the consequences become serious. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. If gambling is causing concern, taking action early can make it easier to regain control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money that has already been lost.
• Increasing bet amounts to achieve the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account transactions from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing payments because of gambling.
• Selling belongings or using savings intended for essential purposes.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or other responsibilities.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.
• Gambling to escape personal problems or to change your mood.

One warning sign may be enough to justify taking a break and reviewing your habits. Several signs may indicate that additional support would be useful. A trusted friend, family member, health professional or gambling counsellor can help you consider practical next steps without judgement.

If gambling has created debt or financial pressure, avoid trying to solve the situation through further gambling. Consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor about budgeting, repayments and protecting essential funds. Keep records of your gambling expenditure so you can discuss the situation clearly.

Different players need different safeguards. If account controls or safer gambling features are available, use them before you begin playing or as soon as you feel your gambling is becoming difficult to manage. These tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when combined with honest self-assessment and support from people you trust.

Consider using the following safeguards

• Deposit or spending limits to restrict the amount added to your account.
• Loss or wagering limits where those controls are available.
• Session reminders, time limits or reality checks to help you notice how long you have been playing.
• Temporary account breaks when you want to step away for a defined period.
• Longer-term self-exclusion if you do not want to access gambling services.
• Account closure if you decide that stopping completely is the safest option.
• Blocking software or device controls to reduce access to gambling websites and applications.
• Banking or payment controls that limit gambling transactions, where offered by your financial institution.

Limits should be set at an amount that is affordable and realistic before gambling starts. A limit is not a reason to keep playing elsewhere after it has been reached. Do not open additional accounts or use another person’s account to avoid a restriction, break or self-exclusion. If you believe an account control is not working as intended, stop gambling and raise the issue through the available support channel.

Self-exclusion is a formal decision to stop accessing gambling services for a selected period or, where available, for longer. Before requesting self-exclusion, withdraw any eligible balance in accordance with the applicable account terms and make sure you understand how the process operates. Self-exclusion should be treated seriously. Do not attempt to bypass it, and ask people close to you to support your decision.

Promotional messages can encourage some people to gamble more than they intended. If you are taking a break or trying to reduce gambling, review your marketing preferences and avoid engaging with gambling promotions. Promotional offers should never be treated as a reason to spend more or recover losses.

You are not alone if gambling is affecting you. Support is available for players, partners, family members and friends. You can speak with a gambling counsellor, GP, psychologist, mental health professional, financial counsellor or another qualified support provider. Australian state and territory services also provide information, counselling and referrals for gambling concerns.

When asking for help, explain what has been happening, how often you gamble, whether money has been lost or borrowed, and how gambling is affecting your relationships or wellbeing. You do not need to have all the answers before contacting a support service. A counsellor can help you identify goals, develop a plan, manage urges and address related financial or emotional concerns.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling for the rest of the day and move away from the device you use to play.
2. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you stay accountable.
3. Review recent transactions and work out the amount spent or lost.
4. Remove saved payment details and consider additional banking or device controls.
5. Set an appropriate account limit, temporary break or self-exclusion request where available.
6. Contact an Australian gambling support or counselling service for confidential advice.
7. Speak with a financial counsellor if gambling has affected bills, debts or essential expenses.
8. Arrange professional mental health support if gambling is linked to anxiety, depression, stress or other concerns.

If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in Australia without delay. Your safety is more important than any gambling account, balance or loss.

Drake Casino aims to provide clear information that helps players make informed decisions about gambling. Responsible gaming information does not remove the risks of gambling, and no tool can guarantee that harm will not occur. Players remain responsible for complying with applicable laws, account requirements and the limits they set for themselves.

If you want to discuss a safer gambling feature, a break, self-exclusion or a concern about your account, use the available customer support channel. Do not provide account access to another person or create a new account to avoid a restriction. Requests may be handled in line with applicable procedures, verification requirements and account terms.

This page provides general responsible gaming information for players in Australia. It is not financial, legal or medical advice. If you are uncertain about your gambling, finances or wellbeing, seek independent advice from an appropriately qualified professional.