Responsible Gaming

Before you play, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat any amount used for gambling as an entertainment expense, similar to spending on a meal, a film or another leisure activity. Only gamble with money that is available after essential costs such as rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, transport and other financial commitments have been covered.

Gambling outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the relevant game. Previous results do not make a future result more likely, and a winning streak does not mean that another win is due. There is no reliable strategy for guaranteeing a win. Avoid viewing gambling as an investment, an income source or a way to recover money that has already been lost.

• Set a budget before you begin and do not exceed it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Never gamble with money needed for everyday living expenses.
• Do not borrow money or use credit to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Keep a record of your gambling spend so you have a clear view of your activity.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Remember that taking a break or deciding not to play is always an option.

It can also help to discuss your approach with someone you trust. A friend, partner or family member may provide useful perspective if gambling starts to take more time or money than you intended.

Pistolo Casino may provide account tools and settings that can help you manage your play. Depending on what is available for your account, these tools may include deposit limits, wagering limits, session reminders, reality checks, temporary breaks or account closure. Features may work differently from one another, so read the information shown in your account carefully before confirming a setting.

Set limits before playing

A limit is most effective when it is chosen before gambling begins. Consider setting a daily, weekly or monthly amount that reflects your entertainment budget. You can also decide how long a session may last. Once a limit has been reached, do not try to work around it by opening another account, using another payment method or asking another person to gamble on your behalf.

Take a break or close your account

If you feel that you need time away from gambling, use any available cooling-off or break option, or request that your account be closed. A break can provide time to review your spending and consider whether gambling remains appropriate for you. If you ask for account closure because you are concerned about your gambling, do not create a new account or attempt to bypass the closure.

Account settings and requests may be subject to verification, processing requirements and applicable rules. A limit or closure request may not affect activity that was completed before the request took effect. You remain responsible for monitoring your account and stopping play when you reach your personal limit.

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, experience or previous success. It may develop gradually, and a person may not recognise the change immediately. Consider your gambling carefully if any of the following statements apply to you:

• You gamble for longer or spend more than you planned.
• You think about gambling frequently or feel restless when trying to stop.
• You increase your stakes to achieve the same excitement.
• You chase losses or gamble to win back money you have lost.
• You hide, minimise or misrepresent your gambling to other people.
• You borrow money, sell belongings or use money set aside for bills to gamble.
• Gambling causes arguments, secrecy or difficulties with family, friends or work.
• You miss work, study, appointments or other responsibilities because of gambling.
• You feel anxious, guilty, low or distressed after gambling.
• You have tried to cut down or stop but have not been able to do so.
• You gamble to escape problems, difficult feelings or personal pressures.
• You consider gambling essential to improving your financial situation.

One or more of these signs does not mean that you need to manage the situation alone. It is a good reason to pause gambling and speak with someone who can help. Early support can make it easier to understand what is happening, protect your finances and decide on practical next steps.

If gambling is affecting someone close to you

You may also seek support if another person's gambling is affecting your household, finances or wellbeing. Keep important funds separate where appropriate, avoid lending money to support gambling and have a calm conversation when the person is not playing. Professional support can help you set boundaries and understand how to protect yourself.

If you are concerned about your gambling, stop playing and seek independent support. In Australia, you can contact an appropriate gambling support service in your state or territory, speak with a qualified counsellor or discuss your concerns with a trusted healthcare professional. These services can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance for people who gamble and for affected family members or friends.

You can also contact Pistolo Casino through the support options made available on the website to ask about responsible gaming settings, account breaks or account closure. Support staff can explain the account process, but they cannot remove the risks associated with gambling or guarantee a particular outcome. If you need urgent help because you may harm yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis service in your area immediately.

Protecting young people and vulnerable people

Gambling is not suitable for children or people who are prohibited from gambling. Keep your login details, devices and payment methods secure, and never allow another person to use your account. Parents and carers should use suitable device controls and discuss the risks of online gambling with young people. If you believe a person is gambling on your account or using your details, stop activity and contact support as soon as possible.

Our shared responsibility

Responsible gaming works best when players, operators and support services each take appropriate steps. Pistolo Casino provides information and may make account management tools available, while you are responsible for making informed choices and using those tools when needed. Please review this page regularly and update your approach if your circumstances, budget or feelings about gambling change.

If gambling is causing financial, emotional or relationship difficulties, the most important step is to stop and ask for help. You do not need to wait for the situation to become severe, and you do not need to manage it by yourself.