Responsible Gambling at Shuffle

What Responsible Gambling Tools Are For

Pokies and casino games are entertainment, not a way to make money. Shuffle provides a set of safer-gambling tools so you can keep play within limits you choose, before a session starts rather than after it's gone too far.

These tools exist because gambling affects people differently. Some players never need them. Others find that a time limit or a deposit cap makes the difference between a fun night and a stressful one. Setting them up takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

This page explains each tool, how self-exclusion works, how to set your own limits, the warning signs worth knowing, and where to get free, confidential help in Australia. Everything here applies to players 18 and over only.

Self-Exclusion and How It Works

Self-exclusion lets you close off access to your account for a period you set, or permanently. It's the strongest tool available when you need a complete break rather than a reduced limit.

How the process works

• You request self-exclusion through account settings or by contacting support.
• You choose the duration: a fixed period or indefinite.
• Once active, you cannot log in, deposit or play for the period selected.
• Marketing emails and promotional contact stop during the exclusion period.
• Reversing a self-exclusion before it expires is not possible. That's the point: the barrier is meant to hold even on a day you change your mind.

If you're an Australian player, self-exclusion with Shuffle only covers your account here. It does not cover other offshore sites. BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, applies to licensed Australian wagering operators and does not extend to offshore casino accounts, so a separate self-exclusion request with each site you use is worth doing if you're taking a break from gambling generally.

Setting a Limit: Step by Step

Limits are easiest to stick to when you set them before you deposit, not mid-session. Here's how to put a deposit, loss or time limit in place:

1. Log in to your account and open account settings.
2. Find the responsible gambling or safer-gambling section.
3. Choose the tool you want: deposit limit, loss limit, session time limit or reality check.
4. Pick the period: daily, weekly or monthly.
5. Enter the amount or time you're comfortable with.
6. Confirm the change. A reduction to a limit applies immediately; an increase applies only after a set cooling-off period, so a limit can't be raised impulsively mid-session.
7. Review your limits periodically and adjust them down if a session has started to feel less in your control.

If you can't find a setting or want to apply a limit straight away, contact support and ask them to set it on your behalf.

Safer Gambling Tools at a Glance

Recognising the Warning Signs

Problem gambling develops gradually and is easy to miss in yourself. Watch for these patterns, in your own play or in someone close to you:

• Spending more time or money on pokies than you planned to, repeatedly.
• Chasing losses by depositing again to "win it back".
• Lying to family or friends about how much you've deposited or lost.
• Gambling to escape stress, boredom or low mood rather than for entertainment.
• Borrowing money, selling things, or neglecting bills to fund play.
• Feeling irritable, anxious or guilty when thinking about cutting back.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships or sleep because of gambling.

If you notice these in yourself

Set a deposit and loss limit immediately, or self-exclude, and talk to someone. None of this requires you to have "hit bottom" first; acting on an early warning sign is exactly what these tools are for.

If you notice these in someone else

Raise it gently and without judgement. Gambling Help Online also supports family members and friends, not only the person gambling.

Where to Get Help Locally

Free, confidential support is available in Australia, 24 hours a day, regardless of which casino or wagering site you use.

• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858, available 24/7, or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for live chat, counselling and financial counselling referrals.
• Lifeline: 13 11 14, for crisis support if gambling is affecting your mental health.

These services are independent, free and confidential. You don't need to be in crisis to call; early conversations are often the most useful ones.

Shuffle is for players aged 18 and over. If gambling has stopped being enjoyable, or you're gambling to cope rather than for entertainment, use the tools on this page or contact Gambling Help Online before your next deposit.

FAQ

How long does self-exclusion last on Shuffle?

You choose the duration when you request it, either a fixed period or indefinitely. Once confirmed, the exclusion can't be reversed early, so pick a period you genuinely want to commit to before confirming it.

Can I lower my deposit limit immediately if I'm worried about my spending?

Yes. Lowering a deposit, loss or time limit applies immediately once confirmed in account settings. Only increases are delayed by a cooling-off period, so reducing a limit is always the faster, same-day option.

Does self-exclusion on Shuffle also block other casino sites?

No. Self-exclusion only applies to your Shuffle account. BetStop, Australia's national register, covers licensed Australian wagering operators only, not offshore casino accounts, so each site needs its own separate exclusion request.

What should I do if I think a family member has a gambling problem?

Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858; their counsellors support family members and friends, not just the person gambling. Approach the person without judgement and point them toward the same free, confidential service.

Is there a cost to setting deposit, loss or time limits?

No, every safer-gambling tool, including deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, reality checks and self-exclusion, is free to set up in your account settings at any time, with no fee or charge attached.