Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Before you play, decide what gambling means in your budget and routine. Treat any amount you choose to spend as an entertainment expense, similar to other leisure activities. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential costs such as rent, bills, food, transport and other commitments have been paid.

Gambling outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the game. Previous results do not make a future result more likely, and a losing run does not mean that a win is due. Avoid systems or claims that suggest losses can be recovered through persistence, special strategies or increased stakes. There is no guaranteed way to win.

It is important to keep gambling separate from financial planning. Do not use credit, borrowed funds, money set aside for household expenses or money belonging to someone else. Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, affected by alcohol or other substances, or under pressure to make quick financial decisions.

Helpful habits

• Set a spending amount and time limit before you begin.
• Keep track of deposits, bets, wins and losses rather than relying on memory.
• Take regular breaks and step away when your planned session ends.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Keep gambling activities separate from important work, study, family and social responsibilities.
• Avoid discussing or sharing account access with other people.
• Consider whether gambling still feels enjoyable, affordable and voluntary.

A win does not need to be played back, and a loss does not need to be recovered. Finishing a session at a planned time is a responsible decision regardless of the result. If you find it difficult to follow limits you set for yourself, stop playing and consider using stronger account restrictions or taking a longer break.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, health and general wellbeing. It does not always appear as a large or sudden loss. Small concerns that continue over time can also become serious. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and you do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for support.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you originally intended.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Trying to win back money after a loss, often called chasing losses.
• Increasing bet amounts to achieve the same excitement or to recover losses more quickly.
• Hiding gambling activity, account transactions or losses from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using funds intended for essential expenses.
• Missing work, study, appointments or personal responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable, anxious or low when attempting to cut down or stop.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or losing trust in relationships.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial, emotional, legal, health or relationship problems.

If any of these signs feel familiar, take them seriously. A useful first step can be to stop gambling for a period, review your recent activity and tell someone you trust what is happening. An honest conversation can make it easier to create distance from gambling and arrange practical support.

Do not try to manage significant gambling harm by gambling more carefully or by attempting to recover losses. Support from a qualified counsellor or financial professional may help you understand the situation, make a plan and address related concerns. Support can also help family members or others affected by someone else’s gambling.

A simple self-check

Ask yourself whether you can stop when you intend to, whether gambling fits comfortably within your budget, and whether you would be comfortable discussing your gambling with someone close to you. Consider whether your mood, sleep, relationships or responsibilities have changed because of gambling. If the answers cause concern, pause your activity and seek help rather than waiting for the problem to become more difficult.

Tools and steps to stay in control

Responsible gaming controls can help create distance between you and gambling. The options available may depend on your account, location and the platform’s current features. Review the responsible gaming or account settings available to you and choose controls that match your circumstances.

Set personal limits

Where available, consider setting deposit, spending, wagering or session limits. A limit should be based on your real entertainment budget, not on an amount you hope to win. Set time reminders before a session starts, and use independent budgeting tools if you want to monitor your overall gambling expenditure across different services.

Limits are most useful when they are set before you feel tempted to increase your activity. Do not adjust a limit simply to continue playing after reaching it. If you want to reduce your gambling, choose a lower limit, take a break or request account restriction rather than relying only on willpower.

Take a break or self-exclude

A temporary break can be useful if you are distracted, stressed or concerned about your recent gambling. During a break, remove gambling reminders where practical, avoid gambling-related content and spend time on other activities. If a short break is not enough, consider a longer account restriction or self-exclusion option where available.

Self-exclusion is a stronger step intended for people who want to prevent themselves from gambling for a chosen period or until further review. Read the terms of any restriction carefully before confirming it. Do not open another account, use another person’s account or ask someone else to gamble on your behalf while a restriction is active.

Make access less convenient

• Remove saved payment details where possible.
• Log out after using your account and avoid sharing passwords.
• Use device or website controls to limit access to gambling content if that would help.
• Ask a trusted person to support your budgeting plan without giving them access to your account.
• Keep a written record of your chosen limits, breaks and reasons for setting them.
• Review bank statements and account activity regularly so that spending does not go unnoticed.

Account controls are not a substitute for professional help when gambling is causing serious harm. If you have difficulty setting a restriction, believe your account is being used by someone else or need help understanding an available control, use the support option provided on the website.

Getting help and protecting others

If gambling is affecting your money, relationships, health or sense of control, consider speaking with a qualified gambling counsellor as soon as possible. In Australia, free and confidential support is available through gambling support services operating nationally and in each state or territory. You can also speak with a GP, mental health professional, financial counsellor or another trusted service.

Support can cover more than gambling itself. You may be able to get help with budgeting, debt concerns, stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties and planning a break from gambling. You do not need to identify as having a gambling disorder to ask for information or confidential guidance.

If you feel unsafe, are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or are facing an immediate emergency, stop gambling and contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in your area. Your immediate safety is more important than any account, balance or gambling outcome.

Age, account security and privacy

Gambling is only for people who meet the legal age and other eligibility requirements that apply to them. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to access your account or device. Keep login information private, use appropriate security settings and contact the website’s support team if you suspect unauthorised access.

Parents, carers and household members can reduce accidental access by using device controls, keeping payment methods secure and talking openly with younger people about the risks of gambling. Do not allow another person to gamble through your account, and do not gamble on behalf of someone who is restricted or self-excluded.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing process. Review your habits regularly, be honest about the effect gambling has on your life and act early when something changes. Bovada Casino encourages players to use available safeguards, take breaks when needed and seek independent support whenever gambling no longer feels safe, affordable or enjoyable.