National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 (free, confidential, 24 hours) · gamblinghelponline.org.au
01 Introduction
PacificStayGuide provides travel information about hotels that include casino areas. Gambling is an adults-only activity with real risks, and this page explains those risks plainly, describes ways to stay in control and lists free support services. If you are concerned about your own gambling or someone else’s, help is available now. Nothing on this website is an invitation to gamble, and no one should feel they have to.
02 Our Approach
We are an information website. We do not operate any casino, offer any form of gambling, accept bets or promote gambling as a way to win. We describe casino areas only so that travellers understand what a resort contains, and we place responsible gambling information alongside every mention.
03 Adult-Only Entertainment
Casino areas in Australia are for people aged 18 and over, and venues commonly ask for photo identification. Minors are not permitted in gaming areas. Gambling should never be the reason for a trip, and no one should feel pressure to take part.
04 Understanding Gambling Risks
Gambling is designed so that, over time, venues win and customers lose. Outcomes are driven by chance, and no system, pattern or “lucky streak” changes that. Harm can include financial hardship, debt, strained relationships, poor sleep, anxiety, depression and problems at work. The risk is higher for people who gamble regularly, who gamble to cope with stress or who have gambled harmfully before, but anyone can be affected.
05 Gambling Is Not a Source of Income
Gambling is not a reliable way to make money and should never be used to pay bills, clear debts or solve financial problems. Treat any money you spend as the price of entertainment, like a ticket to a show, and expect not to get it back.
06 Recognising Harmful Behaviour
Warning signs can include:
- spending more money or time than you intended;
- borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble;
- hiding gambling from family or friends;
- feeling anxious, irritable or guilty about gambling;
- gambling to escape stress or to win back losses;
- neglecting work, study or relationships.
If you recognise several of these, consider reaching out for support.
07 Setting Financial Limits
Decide on a firm amount before you begin, use only money you can afford to lose and leave cards and extra cash behind. Treat the limit as spent from the moment you set it. When it is gone, stop. Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills, food or travel costs. Many venues offer tools such as spending limits and time reminders, so ask staff what is available.
08 Managing Time
Casinos are designed to be absorbing, with few clocks and no windows. Set a time limit, use an alarm on your phone and schedule other activities, such as a meal or a walk, so that gambling does not take over the evening.
09 Avoiding Chasing Losses
Chasing losses means gambling more to win back what you have lost. It is one of the most common routes to serious harm. Each outcome is independent, so past losses do not make a win more likely. The safest response to a loss is to stop.
10 Understanding Emotional Triggers
Stress, loneliness, boredom, celebration and alcohol can all make it harder to stick to limits. Notice what puts you in the mood to gamble, avoid gambling when you are upset, tired or have been drinking, and find other ways to manage difficult feelings.
11 Taking Breaks
Take regular breaks away from the gaming floor, eat, drink water and stay in touch with friends. Breaks give you time to check your spending against your limit and to decide calmly whether to continue.
12 Self-Exclusion Options
Casino venues in Australia offer self-exclusion programs. You can ask venue staff or the venue’s responsible gambling team how to exclude yourself for a set period. Details vary by state and operator. Exclusion is a positive step that many people find helpful, and it can be arranged confidentially. For online wagering, the national self-exclusion register is BetStop.
13 Supporting Friends and Family
If someone close to you is gambling harmfully, speak to them privately and without blame, listen, and encourage them to seek help. Protect your own finances and wellbeing, and look after yourself too. Counselling is available for family members as well as for people who gamble.
14 Seeking Professional Support
Professional help works, and it is free and confidential. Counsellors can help with gambling, money problems and emotional wellbeing, and you do not have to be in crisis to ask for support.
15 National Gambling Helpline
Call 1800 858 858. The National Gambling Helpline is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it connects you with counselling services in your state or territory.
16 Gambling Help Online
Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline.org.au) offers free, confidential online chat, email support, information and self-help tools for people affected by gambling.
17 Venue-Specific Policies
Each venue sets its own conditions of entry and responsible gambling measures. Please see the information published on the official websites of the operators we feature:
We do not speak for any venue, so please check current policies directly.
18 Responsible Travel and Entertainment
A good trip offers many things to enjoy: food, scenery, culture and rest. If you choose to visit a casino area, treat it as one small, optional part of the visit, keep to your limits and plan other activities. Travelling with others who do not gamble is a good reason to explore the rest of the destination.
19 Additional Support Resources
Other free services that may help:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (mental health support)
- National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 (free financial counselling)
- Emergency: call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger
20 Contact Information
If you have feedback about the responsible gambling information on this website, email [email protected]. We are an information service and cannot provide counselling; for support, please use the services listed above.