Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk. There is no guaranteed strategy, system or pattern that can ensure a win. Games are designed for entertainment, and outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the relevant game. Previous results do not predict future results. A winning session does not mean that another win is due, and a loss cannot be recovered simply by continuing to play.

Before you start, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat your gambling budget as an entertainment expense, in the same way you might budget for dining out, cinema tickets or other leisure activities. Only use money that is available after essential costs have been paid. Never use money set aside for rent, bills, food, education, debt repayments or other important needs.

Helpful habits

• Set a spending limit before each gambling session and stick to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep a record of your deposits, bets and results so you can review your behaviour honestly.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed, angry or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Avoid chasing losses by increasing your bets or playing for longer than planned.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family, friends, exercise and other interests.
• Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to fund gambling.
• Remember that stopping after a loss is often the safest choice.

If gambling stops feeling like a choice and starts to feel like something you must do, take a break and consider seeking support. Asking for help early can make it easier to regain control.

Tools to help you stay in control

Responsible gaming tools can help you plan your play and create useful boundaries. Depending on the features available through your account, you may be able to set deposit, wagering, loss or session limits, review your activity, take a temporary break or request a longer period of account closure. These tools are designed to support your decisions, but they work best when you choose limits before gambling begins.

Set limits in advance

Choose limits that reflect your real budget, not an amount you hope to win. A limit should be low enough that reaching it will not affect your essential expenses or financial commitments. Once a limit has been reached, do not try to work around it by opening another account, using another payment method or asking someone else to place bets for you.

Take a break

A temporary break can be useful if you feel distracted by gambling, are spending more time than intended or want to reset your habits. During a break, remove gambling applications or bookmarks, avoid promotional messages where possible and fill the time with activities that do not involve gambling. A longer self-exclusion period may be more appropriate if you are finding it difficult to stop.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a formal request to prevent or restrict access to gambling services for a chosen period or until further notice, subject to the applicable process and requirements. If you request self-exclusion, use the available account support process and provide the information needed to identify your account. Do not attempt to create or use another account while self-excluded. If you believe you need immediate assistance, stop gambling and contact an appropriate gambling support service.

Pelican Casino may apply account restrictions, verification measures or other safeguards where responsible gaming concerns are identified. These measures are intended to support safer participation and may affect access to an account or particular services.

Recognising signs of harm

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income or experience. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change at first. Consider your behaviour carefully if gambling is beginning to affect your money, relationships, work, study, health or peace of mind.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling restless when you cannot gamble.
• Trying to win back losses by gambling more often or placing larger bets.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing bills because of gambling.
• Feeling guilty, anxious, irritable or low after gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships, health or other responsibilities.
• Repeatedly trying to stop or cut down without being able to do so.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Continuing to gamble even when it is causing clear financial or personal harm.

One warning sign may be enough to justify a pause and an honest review. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. A trusted person can help you set boundaries, review finances and follow through with a break or self-exclusion request.

If you are worried about someone else

Speak calmly and choose a private time. Focus on what you have noticed and how it affects you, rather than blaming or shaming the person. Encourage them to speak with a qualified gambling counsellor and offer practical support, such as helping them understand available account tools or organise professional advice. You cannot control another person’s gambling, so protect your own finances and wellbeing as well.

Getting support in Australia

If gambling is causing concern, confidential help is available through Australian gambling support services, qualified counsellors and community health providers. These services can help you understand your gambling, make a plan, manage urges, address financial stress and rebuild routines. Support may be available online, by telephone or in person, depending on the service and your location.

You can also speak with your general practitioner or another health professional. They may help with gambling-related stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression or other issues that can make it harder to stop. Financial counselling may be useful if gambling has affected bills, debt or household finances. If you feel unsafe or are experiencing an immediate crisis, contact emergency services or an urgent mental health service in your area.

Practical 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. Review recent gambling activity and identify how much time and money has been spent.
3. Set an appropriate account limit, request a break or begin the self-exclusion process.
4. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask them to help you stay accountable.
5. Separate gambling money from money needed for essential expenses.
6. Contact an Australian gambling support or counselling service for confidential guidance.
7. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a serious crisis, seek urgent assistance.

Pelican Casino encourages players to use responsible gaming tools whenever they are needed. If you have questions about account restrictions, limits, breaks or self-exclusion, use the available account support channels. Do not continue gambling while waiting for assistance. Responsible gaming is a shared effort, and taking action early is a positive step towards protecting your finances, relationships and wellbeing.