Responsible Gambling at Winstler

Responsible Gambling at Winstler

Pokies and casino games are entertainment, not a way to make money. Winstler provides tools that help you stay in control of your time and your spending, so the experience stays enjoyable rather than stressful. This page explains what those tools do and how to switch them on.

Everything on this page applies to players aged 18 and over. If gambling stops being fun, or starts affecting your finances, relationships or wellbeing, help is available and it is free, confidential and local to Australia.

What Safer-Gambling Tools Are For

Safer-gambling tools exist to put boundaries around your play before emotion or habit takes over. They are not a punishment and they are not a sign you have done anything wrong. They are the same kind of planning tool you would use for any budget.

Setting a limit in advance means the decision gets made by you, when you are calm and clear-headed, rather than in the middle of a session. Once a limit is set, the system enforces it automatically, so you do not have to rely on willpower alone.

• Deposit limits cap how much money you can add to your account in a day, week or month.
• Loss limits cap how much you can lose over a set period, regardless of how much you deposit.
• Time limits and reality checks keep you aware of how long you have been playing.
• Self-exclusion lets you step away from the account entirely for a fixed period.

Setting a Limit on Your Account

Limits are simple to set and can be tightened at any time. Making a limit lower takes effect immediately. Making a limit higher or removing it entirely takes effect after a cooling-off period, which is a deliberate safety feature, not a delay in service.

1. Log in to your Winstler account and open your account or profile settings.
2. Find the responsible gambling or safer-gambling section.
3. Choose the type of limit you want: deposit, loss, or time-based.
4. Select the amount and the period: daily, weekly or monthly.
5. Confirm the limit. It applies to your account from that point on.
6. To lower a limit later, repeat the steps; the change is instant.
7. To raise or remove a limit, submit the request and allow the cooling-off period to pass before it takes effect.

Why the cooling-off period matters

The gap between asking to raise a limit and it taking effect is intentional. It stops a limit being undone in the heat of the moment, giving you time to reconsider while the original, lower limit still protects you.

Self-Exclusion and How It Works

Self-exclusion lets you close off access to your account for a period you choose, so you cannot deposit or play even if you want to. It is designed for anyone who needs a complete break rather than a partial limit.

How to request self-exclusion

1. Contact support through your account or the help section and ask for self-exclusion.
2. State the period you want: this can be short-term or longer, depending on what you need.
3. Your account is then locked for deposits and play for the agreed period.
4. Marketing emails and promotional contact stop once self-exclusion is active.

What happens during self-exclusion

While self-excluded, you cannot log in to deposit or play. If you need support during this time, Gambling Help Online is available 24/7 and is completely independent of Winstler.

Safer-Gambling Tools at a Glance

Recognising the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can build up gradually, which makes it easy to miss in yourself. Being honest about your own patterns is the first step toward keeping play enjoyable rather than harmful.

Signs worth paying attention to

• Spending more time or money on pokies than you planned, repeatedly.
• Chasing losses by depositing again to try to win back what was lost.
• Borrowing money, selling things, or using bill money to keep playing.
• Lying to family or friends about how much time or money is spent gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to cut down or stop.
• Gambling to escape stress, boredom or low mood, rather than for enjoyment.
• Neglecting work, study, sleep or relationships because of gambling.

What to do if you notice these signs

If any of these sound familiar, use a deposit or loss limit straight away, consider self-exclusion, and reach out to a local support service. None of these steps require you to explain yourself or justify the decision.

Where to Get Help Locally

Support is free, confidential and available whether or not you are ready to stop entirely. You do not need to be in crisis to call; early conversations can prevent bigger problems.

• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858, available 24/7, gamblinghelponline.org.au. Confidential chat, phone and online counselling.
• Lifeline: 13 11 14, for crisis support and emotional distress at any hour.

You can also talk to a GP, a family member, or a trusted friend. Reaching out early tends to make the biggest difference, and these services are built specifically to help without judgement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set a deposit limit on my Winstler account?

Go to account settings, find the responsible gambling section, choose deposit limit, select an amount and a period, then confirm. A lower limit applies immediately, while raising it requires a cooling-off period first.

Can I self-exclude from Winstler if I only need a short break?

Yes, self-exclusion periods are agreed with support based on what you need, and your account is locked for deposits and play for that period. Contact support to set the length that suits you.

What happens if I try to deposit after reaching my loss limit?

Once a loss limit is reached, further deposits or play beyond that threshold are blocked for the remainder of the period you set. The limit resets automatically at the start of the next period.

Is there a cost to contacting Gambling Help Online?

No, calling 1800 858 858 or using the chat service at gamblinghelponline.org.au is free and confidential, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and entirely independent of Winstler.

Can someone else remove my self-exclusion for me?

No, self-exclusion can only be lifted by you, through support, after the agreed period ends. This protects the purpose of self-exclusion by preventing it being reversed by anyone other than the account holder.

Do responsible gambling tools cost anything to use?

No, deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, reality checks and self-exclusion are free features built into your account. You can adjust or activate them at any time from account settings or by contacting support.