Responsible Gaming

Our approach to safer gambling

Responsible gaming means staying in control of how, when and why you gamble. Before playing, consider whether gambling fits comfortably within your budget and your available free time. Only use money that you can afford to lose after essential costs, savings and other financial commitments have been covered. Never rely on gambling to pay bills, repay debts or create a regular income.

Outcomes in casino and poker games are uncertain. A previous win does not make another win more likely, and a losing session does not mean that a win is due. No system, tip or strategy can guarantee a particular result. Set your own limits before you play and be prepared to follow them, even when a session does not go as expected.

Our responsible gaming approach includes providing information about safer play, encouraging breaks and supporting players who want to reduce or stop their gambling. Features and processes may vary according to the account, product and legal requirements that apply to your location. If you are unsure whether gambling is suitable for you, consider seeking independent advice before playing.

Practical habits for staying in control

• Decide how much money and time you can spend before starting a session.
• Treat your chosen amount as entertainment spending, not as an investment.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, food, bills, education or family commitments.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, bored or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Take regular breaks and do something unrelated to gambling during those breaks.
• Keep track of deposits, wagers and results rather than relying on memory.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer than planned.
• Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.
• Remember that you can stop at any time, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
• Do not gamble to impress other people or because you feel pressured to continue.
• Make sure your gambling decisions are private choices that you can afford and control.

It can help to decide in advance what you will do when a session ends. For example, you might set an alarm, leave the gaming area, contact a friend or move on to another activity. Planning an end point before you begin can make it easier to avoid playing longer than intended.

Tools and choices for safer play

Safer gambling tools can help you put a practical limit on your activity. Depending on what is available for your account and location, you may be able to set deposit limits, spending limits, session reminders, time limits, cooling-off periods or other account controls. These tools are most effective when set before a problem develops.

A deposit limit controls the amount you can add to your account during a selected period. A time or session reminder can prompt you to check how long you have been playing. A cooling-off period can provide a short break from gambling, while self-exclusion is a stronger request to prevent access for a chosen period or until further review. Read the information shown when selecting a tool so that you understand how it operates.

Using limits effectively

1. Choose an amount based on your personal circumstances, not on a hoped-for win.
2. Set a limit before depositing or beginning a gambling session.
3. Use a time reminder to avoid losing track of the length of a session.
4. If you reach a limit, stop playing rather than looking for another way to continue.
5. Use a cooling-off period if you need space to review your habits.
6. Ask for account closure or self-exclusion if you want to stop gambling for longer.
7. Review your limits from time to time, particularly after a change in income, work, health or family circumstances.

If you request a restriction, account closure or self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided through the available account or support channels. Requests may be managed in accordance with applicable requirements and the relevant account process. Do not create another account or use another person’s account to get around a restriction. If you believe you may be at risk of losing control, stop gambling first and seek support.

You can also manage your exposure to gambling information by reviewing marketing and promotional preferences where those options are available. Reducing marketing messages may make it easier to take a break, but changing communication preferences does not replace a gambling limit, account closure or self-exclusion request.

When setting a limit, choose an amount that remains comfortable even if you receive no return. Do not increase a limit during a losing session or make a new deposit simply because you have reached the amount you originally planned to spend. A limit is intended to support your decision before you play, not to provide permission to keep extending a session.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect people from all backgrounds. It may develop gradually, and you do not need to wait for serious financial or personal harm before asking for help. A useful first step is to answer questions honestly and notice whether gambling is becoming difficult to control.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money lost in previous sessions.
• Increasing your bets or deposits to achieve the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling frequently during work, study or family time.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account transactions from people close to you.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing payments because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
• Arguing with family or friends about gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, health, relationships or everyday responsibilities.
• Attempting to stop or reduce gambling but finding that you cannot do so.
• Feeling shame, hopelessness or distress after gambling.

If any of these signs feel familiar, consider stopping gambling and speaking with someone you trust. A financial counsellor, health professional or gambling support organisation can help you review what is happening without judgement. Support is available for people who gamble and for family members or friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

Make it harder to gamble while you decide what to do next. You might remove stored payment details, ask your bank whether gambling transaction controls are available, limit access to gambling funds, use blocking software or ask a trusted person to help you manage money temporarily. These steps are not a substitute for professional support, but they can create useful distance from gambling.

Writing down what happens before, during and after gambling can help you identify patterns. Note your mood, the amount of time spent playing, the money deposited or lost and how you felt afterwards. This record may help you understand triggers and provide useful information when speaking with a counsellor or other support professional.

If gambling has contributed to severe distress or you feel that you may harm yourself or someone else, seek urgent help from local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support organisation. Your safety is more important than any gambling account, balance or loss.

Age, account safety and getting support

Gambling is only for people who meet the minimum legal age and other eligibility requirements that apply in their location. Do not allow anyone under the legal age to access your account, device or payment methods. Parents and carers should use suitable device, payment and account controls to help prevent minors from accessing gambling services.

Keep your login details private and use reasonable security measures on devices that you use to access your account. If another person uses your account, your details are shared or you believe your account has been accessed without permission, stop using it and contact the available support channel as soon as possible. Account security and responsible gaming are connected because uncontrolled access can lead to activity that you did not intend.

What to do if you want to stop

1. Stop playing and do not make another deposit while deciding your next step.
2. Use the available cooling-off, account closure or self-exclusion option.
3. Remove saved payment methods and consider asking your bank about relevant controls.
4. Tell a trusted person that you are taking a break or stopping.
5. Contact an independent gambling support organisation or qualified professional in Australia.
6. Seek financial advice if gambling has affected bills, debts, savings or other obligations.
7. Keep your support contacts and coping plan available for difficult moments.

Cristal Poker Casino may need to apply identity, age, account or payment checks before processing certain requests. Such checks are intended to help protect players and support compliance with applicable requirements. We may also take steps where activity appears inconsistent with safer gambling expectations or account rules. These steps can include contacting a player, applying restrictions or referring the player to available support information.

If you are supporting someone who may have a gambling problem, try to discuss the issue calmly and without blame. Encourage the person to pause gambling and seek independent help. You should also protect your own finances, avoid lending money to fund gambling and seek support for yourself if the situation is affecting your wellbeing.

This page provides general information and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Gambling rules, available tools and support options can depend on the Australian state or territory where you live and on other circumstances. Check the terms that apply to your account and seek independent advice if you need help understanding your rights, obligations or financial position. If you choose to gamble, do so legally, responsibly and within limits you can maintain.