Responsible Gaming

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are designed for entertainment, and the outcome of a game is not changed by previous wins or losses. A losing result does not mean that a win is due, while a winning result does not guarantee future success. Treat every wager as money spent on entertainment rather than as an investment or source of income.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Only use money that is available after essential expenses have been paid. Do not gamble with money needed for rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education, medical care or other important commitments. Never borrow money, use credit that you cannot repay or sell personal items to fund gambling.

Keep gambling in perspective

• Set a personal budget before you begin and avoid increasing it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Do not gamble when you are angry, upset, bored, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or continuing to play for longer than planned.
• Remember that gambling outcomes are based on chance or game rules, not skill alone.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household money and financial commitments.
• Talk openly with someone you trust if gambling starts to affect your mood, relationships or finances.

Taking a break is a positive choice, whether you have won, lost or simply want to do something else. A session should end when your planned time or budget has been reached. There is no need to continue playing because you are on a winning streak, trying to recover losses or waiting for a particular result.

Gambling can become harmful gradually, and a person may not notice the change straight away. A single sign does not necessarily mean that you have a gambling problem, but several signs together are a reason to pause and seek support. It is better to ask for help early than to wait until financial or personal harm becomes more serious.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or feeling unable to stop during a session.
• Increasing the amount of a wager to achieve the same excitement.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, missing bills or selling possessions because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, irritable or restless when you are not gambling.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or finding it difficult to concentrate on other activities.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or household responsibilities.
• Returning to gambling soon after deciding to stop.
• Feeling that gambling is affecting sleep, health, relationships or financial security.

If any of these signs sound familiar, stop playing and review your account activity. Consider setting a restriction, taking a break or choosing self-exclusion. Speak with a trusted person and seek independent help from an Australian gambling support service or qualified counsellor. Support is available for people who gamble as well as for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling.

You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Professional support can help you understand your gambling, make a practical plan, manage urges and address related financial or emotional concerns. Assistance can be confidential, and you can ask about the options available in your state or territory.

If you are concerned about your gambling, contact an Australian gambling support service, community counselling provider, financial counsellor or qualified health professional. You can also speak with a trusted family member, friend or support person. When looking for assistance, choose a service that is appropriate for your location and circumstances, and ask about confidential options if that is important to you.

If gambling has caused immediate financial, emotional or personal danger, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance from appropriate emergency or crisis services in your area. If you are worried about another person, encourage them to seek professional help, avoid lending money for gambling and protect essential household finances where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Fat Pirate Casino's responsible gaming principles

• Provide clear information to help players make informed decisions.
• Encourage players to set practical time and spending boundaries.
• Promote the use of available limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion tools.
• Take concerns about gambling behaviour seriously and direct players towards suitable support.
• Protect account information and handle personal details in line with the applicable privacy requirements.
• Apply age and identity checks and other controls required for the service.
• Review responsible gaming information and features as requirements and good practice develop.

Responsible gaming is a shared responsibility. Fat Pirate Casino can provide information and account tools, but no tool can guarantee that gambling will remain harmless. The most important steps are to set a realistic budget, take regular breaks, avoid chasing losses and act early if gambling stops being enjoyable. If you need help, use the available support channels to request a restriction or ask where independent assistance can be found.

This information is general and does not replace professional financial, legal, medical or counselling advice. Features, eligibility requirements and processes may change, so review the current information available through your account and the applicable terms before using the service.