Responsible Gambling

Gamble for entertainment, not income

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed outcome. Each game or wager is an independent event, and previous results do not make a future result more or less likely. A win is never guaranteed, even when a game appears to be on a successful run. For this reason, you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses have been paid.

Before you play, consider setting a clear entertainment budget for your gambling activity. Treat this amount in the same way as money spent on other leisure activities. Once the budget has been used, stop playing rather than adding more funds. Do not use money set aside for rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education, medical care or other important needs. You should also avoid gambling with borrowed money, credit intended for essential purchases, or money that belongs to another person.

Keep your gambling separate from everyday life

Responsible gambling also means protecting your time, attention and relationships. Decide how long you intend to play before starting and take regular breaks. Avoid playing when you are tired, upset, angry, under the influence of alcohol or affected by medication. Strong emotions can make it more difficult to make measured decisions. Gambling should not interfere with work, study, sleep, family commitments, friendships or other activities you enjoy.

• Set a spending limit before you begin and keep track of your deposits and bets.
• Set a time limit and leave the site when that time has passed.
• Never chase a loss by increasing your stake or continuing for longer than planned.
• Remember that a win does not mean you should keep playing indefinitely.
• Take regular breaks and make time for non-gambling activities.
• Only use your own funds and keep your account information secure.

Tools to help you stay in control

Planning in advance is one of the simplest ways to maintain control. Depending on the features available to your account and the requirements that apply to your location, you may be able to use tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, session reminders, time-outs or account self-exclusion. These tools are designed to help you pause and consider your activity before it becomes difficult to manage.

A limit works best when it is realistic and set before you begin gambling. It should reflect your personal circumstances and disposable entertainment budget, rather than an amount you hope to win. Avoid setting a limit based on previous losses or expected future winnings. If you find yourself wanting to change or remove a limit in order to continue playing, this may be a sign that a longer break or additional support would be helpful.

Consider using a break or self-exclusion

A time-out can provide a short period away from gambling and an opportunity to review your habits. Self-exclusion is a longer-term option that prevents or restricts access to gambling services for a chosen period or in accordance with the applicable process. You can request a break or ask about self-exclusion through the support options made available on the site. The available periods, process and account effects may depend on the service and the rules that apply in your jurisdiction.

1. Choose an amount and playing period that you can comfortably afford before you start.
2. Check your account activity regularly so you understand how much time and money you are spending.
3. Use available limits or reminders rather than relying only on willpower.
4. If a limit no longer feels suitable, stop gambling and seek assistance before changing it.
5. Ask for a break immediately if gambling is affecting your mood, finances, work or relationships.
6. Do not create another account or use another person’s account to get around a restriction.

You are responsible for providing accurate information when using account controls. Restrictions may apply across particular services or accounts, as explained during the relevant process. If you are unsure which option is suitable, contact the available support team before continuing to gamble.

Recognising when gambling may be harmful

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, background or previous experience. It may develop gradually, and a person may not notice the impact until gambling has affected their finances, health or relationships. You do not need to wait for a serious crisis before asking for help. Speaking with someone early can make it easier to understand what is happening and choose practical next steps.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally planned.
• Trying to win back losses by placing larger bets or playing for longer.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from others.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments to fund gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep, health, family or social responsibilities.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to stop after deciding to stop.
• Returning to gambling after a break despite knowing it has caused problems.
• Feeling shame, guilt or distress about gambling but continuing anyway.

One warning sign may be enough reason to pause and review your habits. If several signs apply to you, consider stopping gambling and speaking with a qualified support service, counsellor, health professional or trusted person. Support is available whether you want information, help with a specific concern, or assistance to stop gambling altogether.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop gambling and avoid making further deposits or bets while you consider your situation.
2. Use an available time-out, limit or self-exclusion option.
3. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
4. Review bills, bank activity and other commitments so you understand your financial position.
5. Contact a gambling support service, general health professional or counselling provider.
6. If gambling has caused immediate financial, emotional or safety concerns, seek urgent assistance from an appropriate local service.

Our responsible gambling approach

Cherry Gold Casino aims to provide clear information and practical options that help players make informed decisions. Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility. We expect players to follow the applicable account rules, provide accurate information and use only their own account and payment methods. We also encourage friends and family members to raise concerns respectfully if they notice changes in a person’s gambling behaviour.

Online gambling services may use account information and activity information to meet legal, security and responsible gambling obligations. Where appropriate, activity may be reviewed for signs that a player could be experiencing difficulty. This can include unusual changes in spending or playing patterns, repeated attempts to continue after losses, or requests that indicate gambling may be causing harm. A review may lead to questions, information about support, limits, a temporary pause or other action under the applicable rules.

Age, account and financial safety

• Do not gamble if you are under the legal gambling age that applies where you live.
• Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person’s account.
• Keep passwords, payment details and identity information private and secure.
• Tell the service promptly if you believe someone else has accessed your account.
• Do not gamble on behalf of another person or accept funds for someone else’s gambling.
• Consider asking your bank or payment provider about available gambling transaction controls.
• Read the relevant account information and service terms before using the site.

If you are concerned about your own gambling or another person’s gambling, contact the support team through the available site channels and explain what assistance you need. You can also seek independent help from an Australian gambling support service, a qualified counsellor, a general practitioner or another trusted health professional. Friends and family members can seek support too. If there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety, contact local emergency services or an appropriate crisis service.

Responsible gambling information is general in nature and is not a substitute for financial, medical or psychological advice. The most important step is to act early. Taking a break, discussing your concerns and using available restrictions can help you regain control and protect the things that matter to you.