Responsible Gambling: Tools and Help in Australia

Responsible gambling means staying in charge of your money, your time and your mood. Pokies play fast and the lobby never closes. With a deposit taking seconds on a phone, it’s easy to play longer and spend more than you planned.

Below are the warning signs and limits you can set yourself, plus where to get help in Australia. For how the casino itself works, see our FastSpin99 guide for Australians.

Gambling should stay entertainment

Casino games are built so the house comes out ahead over time, even when some sessions end in a win. Think of gambling as something you pay for, like a concert ticket, and never as a way to earn or fix money problems. Play only with what is left after bills and basics. Count each deposit as spent, and log off once it stops being fun.

Promotions don’t change that maths. Free credit, the daily check-in, VIP Tier and the Withdrawal Leaderboard are there to bring you back, and chasing the next tier is one of the usual ways play creeps up.

Warning signs to watch for

Gambling harm tends to build up gradually, through lots of small changes. If even one of these sounds familiar, act now.

• You regularly spend more money or time than you planned.
• You top up again to win back what you have lost.
• You borrow money, use credit or sell belongings to keep playing.
• Money meant for bills, rent or savings is going to gambling.
• You hide how much you play or spend from people close to you.
• Not being able to play leaves you anxious, irritable or low.
• You have tried to cut back and couldn’t.

Recognising yourself here doesn’t make you a bad person. Getting help early makes it easier to turn things around.

Practical limits before you play

Set your limits before a session starts, while your head is clear, instead of halfway through a losing run. None of the five habits below depends on casino settings.

1. Set a budgetDecide how much you can afford to lose this month and write it down. When it is gone, you stop until next month.
2. Set a time limitStart a timer on your phone before you open the lobby. Pokies sessions feel shorter than they are.
3. Never chase lossesA loss is the price of the entertainment. Topping up to win it back is the fastest way to double it.
4. Never gamble on creditNo credit cards, loans, buy now pay later or borrowed money. If it is not spare cash, it is not gambling money.
5. Take regular breaksStep away from the screen often and ask yourself whether you are still playing for fun.

Your bank can help too. Check whether your banking app has a gambling block or a spending limit, which works outside the casino altogether. Not signed up yet? Read about account limits at registration first.

Limits on a FastSpin99 account

FastSpin99 does not publicly describe deposit limits or self-exclusion settings, and there is no responsible gambling section in its side menu. Ask FastSpin99 live chat whether limits or a break can be applied to your account. Chat is open 24/7, so you can ask the moment you decide.

• Be specific. Tell them exactly what you want (a deposit limit, a break or your account closed) and take a screenshot of the reply.
• Unlink your card. Clear it from browser autofill and saved payment details, so every deposit takes a deliberate step.
• Delete the web app. Take the H5 web app off your home screen and log out in your browser too.
• Turn off notifications. The site prompts you to switch them on to claim an exclusive bonus. If you said yes, block them in your browser or phone settings.
• Mute promo channels. Leave or mute the FastSpin99 Telegram group and Facebook page.

Free help in Australia

You don’t have to be in crisis, or to have already stopped gambling, before you reach out.

BetStop applies only to the providers it covers and doesn’t replace a direct request to FastSpin99, so message live chat as well. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

Supporting someone else

Your support can count for a lot when gambling is hurting someone close to you. Look out for money going missing, loans nobody explains and secrecy around bank statements.

• Pick a calm moment. Not straight after a loss. Describe what you have noticed without accusing them, and listen to what they say.
• Do not cover debts. Paying off losses often ends up funding the next session. If you want to help, pay for a necessity directly, such as a bill.
• Protect your own finances. Keep your accounts separate and don’t let anyone deposit from your bank account. Our page on security and verification explains why a casino account should stay in one person’s name.
• Point to real help. Give them the number 1800 858 858 and tell them about BetStop, where a registered person can nominate someone they know to support them.
• Look after yourself. Ask Gambling Help Online what support you can get as a partner, relative or friend.

18+ only