Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gambling

Responsible gambling means making conscious decisions about when, how often and how much you gamble. It also means recognising when gambling may be affecting your finances, relationships, work, study, health or general wellbeing. Cobra Casino encourages players to stay in control and to take action early if gambling begins to feel difficult to manage.

Gambling outcomes are based on chance. Previous results do not determine future results, and a win is never guaranteed. No strategy can remove the risk of losing money. You should never chase losses, borrow money to gamble, sell possessions to continue playing or rely on gambling to pay bills and other essential expenses.

Our responsible gaming information is intended to help you make informed choices. It does not guarantee that gambling will remain enjoyable or risk-free. If you have concerns about your gambling, or if gambling is causing stress or harm, consider stopping and seeking independent support as soon as possible.

Gambling is for adults only

You must meet the applicable minimum age requirement before using gambling services. Do not allow children or other underage people to access your account, device or payment methods. Keep your login details private and use appropriate device, browser and account controls to help prevent unauthorised access.

If you share a device with other people, take particular care to log out after using your account and avoid saving passwords where another person could access them. Adults should also take reasonable steps to prevent children from viewing gambling content or using gambling accounts.

Plan before you play

A simple plan can help you keep gambling within limits. Decide in advance how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Your budget should be based only on disposable income left after rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, debt repayments, transport, savings and other essential costs have been covered.

• Set a spending limit for each session, day or week and do not increase it while you are playing.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Treat any money deposited as entertainment spending, not as an investment.
• Keep gambling separate from household money and essential expenses.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired, intoxicated or trying to recover money you have lost.
• Avoid using credit, loans or money borrowed from friends and family to gamble.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses and the time you spend gambling.
• Stop when your planned limit or session time is reached, whether you are winning or losing.

It can be helpful to decide what you will do when a session ends. For example, you might leave the device, go for a walk, contact a friend, prepare a meal or return to another activity. Planning a clear stopping point can reduce the temptation to continue playing without thinking.

Do not chase losses

Chasing losses means continuing to gamble or increasing the amount wagered in an attempt to recover money already lost. This can lead to larger losses and may make it harder to make clear decisions. A loss is not a debt that gambling can reliably repay. If you notice that you are trying to win back money, stop playing and take a break.

Winning can also affect decision-making. A win may create a feeling that you are on a lucky run or that you can keep winning. Set limits before you play and keep them even when results are positive. Withdrawing funds or ending a session can be a sensible way to avoid giving back money you have won.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. There is no single amount of money or number of hours that defines a problem. What matters is whether gambling is becoming difficult to control or causing negative effects. Honest self-reflection can help you identify concerns early.

Possible warning signs

• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling restless when you try to stop.
• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Increasing your bets or deposits to achieve the same excitement.
• Trying repeatedly to cut back or stop without success.
• Chasing losses or gambling to escape stress, sadness, anxiety, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Hiding or minimising how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues because of gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments, sleep or social activities because of gambling.
• Using money intended for bills, food, rent, savings or other necessities.
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or taking on debt to continue gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, irritability or anxiety after gambling.
• Continuing to gamble even though it is affecting your finances, health, relationships or responsibilities.

One warning sign does not automatically mean that you have a gambling disorder, but it is a reason to pause and review your behaviour. Several signs, increasing losses or an inability to stop are strong reasons to take a break and seek support. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Practical steps you can take

1. Stop gambling and avoid making further deposits while you consider your next step.
2. Use available account controls, including deposit, spending, loss, session or time limits where offered.
3. Request a temporary break or self-exclusion if you need stronger protection from access.
4. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to support your plan.
5. Review your bank account and household budget so you understand the financial position clearly.
6. Remove stored payment details and reduce access to money that could be used impulsively.
7. Speak with a qualified counsellor, healthcare professional or recognised gambling support service.

Limits, breaks and self-exclusion

Account controls can help you manage gambling before it becomes difficult. Depending on the services available, these controls may include limits on deposits, spending, losses or playing time, as well as reminders, reality checks, cooling-off periods, temporary account breaks or longer-term self-exclusion. The available options and how they operate may vary.

Choose limits before you begin playing and set them at an amount you can genuinely afford. A limit should not be treated as a target or an amount that you must spend. If a limit is reached, stop gambling rather than looking for another way to continue. Do not open another account or use another person’s account to avoid a limit or exclusion.

Taking a break

A temporary break can be useful if you have been playing more often than planned, feeling distracted by gambling or finding it difficult to stop at the end of a session. During a break, avoid gambling through other accounts, websites or services. Use the time to review your budget, identify triggers and consider whether additional support would be helpful.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger step for people who want to prevent themselves from accessing gambling services for a chosen period or, where available, longer. If you request self-exclusion, follow the instructions provided and do not try to bypass the restriction. Self-exclusion is most effective when combined with practical steps such as blocking gambling content, removing payment access and telling a trusted person.

If you would like to discuss available limits, breaks or self-exclusion options, use the account support channels made available by Cobra Casino. Do not send sensitive account or payment information through public forums or to anyone claiming to provide unofficial assistance.

Getting help and protecting your wellbeing

You are not alone, and asking for help is a practical step rather than a failure. In Australia, support may be available through gambling help services, counsellors, psychologists, general practitioners, community health organisations and other qualified professionals. A recognised gambling support service can provide confidential guidance about reducing or stopping gambling, managing urges, dealing with debt and speaking with family members.

If gambling has affected someone close to you, support is available for family members and friends as well. You can seek advice about setting boundaries, protecting shared finances and encouraging the person to access professional help. Avoid covering up losses or providing money to continue gambling, as this may unintentionally allow harmful behaviour to continue.

If you are in immediate danger, feel unable to keep yourself safe or are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact local emergency services or seek urgent help from a healthcare professional. For non-urgent concerns, speak with a qualified support provider in your area. If financial problems are involved, an independent financial counsellor may also be able to help you understand your options.

A final check before you play

• Am I gambling for entertainment rather than to make money or solve a problem?
• Can I afford to lose the amount I plan to spend?
• Have I set a limit for money and time before starting?
• Am I calm, rested and making this decision freely?
• Can I stop when my limit is reached?
• Would I be comfortable telling someone I trust how much I am gambling?
• If I am worried about my gambling, have I taken a break or sought support?

If you cannot answer these questions confidently, do not gamble. Take a break, use the available account controls and consider speaking with a trusted person or professional support service. Responsible gambling starts with knowing your limits and taking action when those limits are no longer working.