Our stance on responsible gambling is pretty clean-cut. We like pokies. We enjoy testing casinos. That’s why this site exists.
But let’s be clear about something straight away.
Gambling is entertainment. Nothing more.
It’s not a side income. It’s not a strategy. And it’s definitely not a fix for money problems.
At holidayinnmelbourne.com.au, we encourage everyone to treat it the same way you’d treat a movie night or a footy ticket, something you pay for because it’s fun. When it stops being fun, it’s time to step away.
Simple rule. Easy to forget.
The Mindset That Helps
A lot of problems start with expectations.
If you sit down expecting to make money, every loss feels personal. Every near miss feels like you’re “due.” That’s when chasing kicks in, and chasing rarely ends well.
It helps to decide your limits before you even log in.
Pick a number you’re comfortable spending. Treat it like the cost of entertainment. Once it’s gone, that’s the session done. No top-ups. No “just one more deposit.”
Wins and losses are both part of the ride. Neither means much long-term.
Habits That Keep Things Under Control
Small habits matter more than big promises.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Set a time limit too.
- Take breaks, even if you’re winning.
Only use money you can afford to lose. Never touch rent, bills, or savings. If you’re tired, stressed, or in a bad mood, skip the session entirely. Gambling with the wrong headspace usually leads to bad decisions.
And use the tools casinos provide.
Most decent platforms let you set deposit caps, loss limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, or full self-exclusion. They exist for a reason. Turning them on early is much easier than trying to regain control later.
Spotting the Warning Signs
Issues don’t usually appear overnight. They creep in.
A few longer sessions. A couple of extra deposits. Then suddenly it feels harder to stop.
It might be time to pause if you notice yourself spending more than planned, borrowing money to keep playing, hiding gambling from people close to you, or feeling tense and frustrated instead of relaxed. If gambling starts replacing work, relationships, or everyday life, that’s a pretty loud signal too.
Listen to it.
Taking a break early is a lot easier than fixing a bigger problem later.
Practical Steps If Things Feel Off
Slow it down.
Log out for a while. Set stricter limits. Keep track of what you’re spending so you can see the pattern clearly. Avoid alcohol or anything else that clouds judgement. And if you feel like you need a longer reset, consider self-excluding for a bit.
There’s no shame in stepping back.
Honestly, it’s often the smartest move you can make.
Support Services in Australia
If you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Free and confidential help is available across Australia, 24 hours a day.
You can reach out to:
Gambling Help Online
Phone 1800 858 858
Website: gamblinghelponline.org.au
Lifeline
Phone 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Phone 1300 22 4636
Financial Counselling Australia
Phone 1800 007 007
These services offer real people, real conversations, and practical help. No judgement. Just support.
Sometimes talking to someone makes a bigger difference than you expect.
Our Role
We’re just an information site.
We don’t run casinos or handle accounts. What we can do is point people toward safer options, be honest about risks, and remind everyone that well-being comes first.
If gambling stops being enjoyable, close the tab.
There will always be another game tomorrow.