Responsible Gambling

Last updated: 21 January 2026

Your wellbeing matters more than any game. This guide covers responsible gambling practices, self-help tools available at Ripper, and support resources for Australia players.

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

Gambling is designed to be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. The house always has an edge, meaning over time, the casino will always win. Understanding this fundamental principle is essential for gambling responsibly.

Set realistic expectations: enjoy the experience, accept that losses are part of gambling, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.

Tips for Gambling Responsibly

Following these guidelines can help ensure gambling remains a fun activity:

• Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start, and stick to it
• Set time limits: Decide how long you will play and don't exceed that time
• Never chase losses: If you lose your budget, stop playing
• Don't borrow to gamble: Only use money you can afford to lose
• Balance gambling with other activities: Don't let gambling become your only leisure activity
• Don't gamble when upset or stressed: Emotional gambling often leads to poor decisions
• Take regular breaks: Step away to maintain perspective
• Understand the games: Know the odds and how games work
• Never gamble under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you notice any of these behaviors, it may be time to reassess your gambling habits:

Financial Signs

• Spending more on gambling than you can afford
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
• Neglecting bills or financial responsibilities
• Frequently winning but rarely having money

Behavioral Signs

• Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
• Chasing losses with more gambling
• Being secretive about gambling activities
• Neglecting work, family, or social commitments
• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling

Emotional Signs

• Gambling to escape problems or relieve anxiety
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
• Lying to family and friends about gambling
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling

Self-Assessment Questions

Ask yourself these questions honestly:

1. Do you spend more money or time gambling than intended?
2. Have you tried to cut back on gambling but couldn't?
3. Do you feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts?
4. Do you gamble to escape problems or improve your mood?
5. Have you lied to hide your gambling from others?
6. Have you borrowed money or sold items to gamble?
7. Has gambling caused relationship or work problems?
8. Do you feel restless when trying not to gamble?

If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, consider seeking help.

Tools for Self-Control

Most reputable online casinos offer responsible gambling tools. Look for:

• Deposit limits: Set maximum amounts you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
• Loss limits: Cap your maximum losses over a period
• Wagering limits: Limit how much you can bet
• Session time limits: Set maximum playing time per session
• Reality checks: Receive notifications about time and money spent
• Cooling-off periods: Take a short break from gambling
• Self-exclusion: Block yourself from gambling for extended periods

Help and Support Resources

If you need help with problem gambling, these resources are available:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au - 24/7 support
• National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7)
• Gamblers Anonymous Australia: gaaustralia.org.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

International

• Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org
• GamCare: gamcare.org.uk
• BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org

Self-Exclusion Programs

Self-exclusion allows you to ban yourself from gambling venues and online platforms. In Australia:

• BetStop: The National Self-Exclusion Register allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online wagering services. Visit betstop.gov.au
• Individual casinos also offer their own self-exclusion programs

Helping Someone Else

If you're concerned about someone else's gambling:

• Express your concerns calmly and without judgment
• Learn about problem gambling to understand what they're experiencing
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Set boundaries to protect yourself financially and emotionally
• Seek support for yourself - helping a problem gambler can be stressful
• Don't cover up or make excuses for their behavior
• Don't lend money for gambling or to pay gambling debts

Our Commitment

Ripper is committed to promoting responsible gambling. We:

• Only promote casinos that offer responsible gambling tools
• Encourage players to gamble responsibly
• Provide information about problem gambling resources
• Support age verification to prevent underage gambling
• Discourage excessive or problematic gambling behavior

Remember: gambling should be fun. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to stop.