Responsible Gaming

At Winshark Casino, gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Responsible gaming means understanding the risks, making informed choices and keeping gambling within limits that are right for you.

Winshark Casino operates under a licence issued by the Curaçao Gaming Authority, reference number OGL/2024/589/0556, which governs the platform's gaming services and compliance standards.

Gamble for entertainment

Online gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Casino games are designed for entertainment and outcomes are based on chance. Past results do not predict future results, and a winning session does not mean that another win is due. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential expenses and financial commitments have been met.

Do not view gambling as a source of income, an investment or a way to recover money. Chasing losses can lead to larger losses and may make it harder to make clear decisions. If you lose money, accept the loss and avoid increasing your stakes in an attempt to win it back. Take a break whenever gambling stops feeling enjoyable or becomes a source of pressure.

Practical ways to stay in control

Set a gambling budget before you begin and do not exceed it.
Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
Keep gambling money separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, savings or other essentials.
Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essential expenses or sell belongings to gamble.
Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, affected by alcohol or affected by other substances.
Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins and losses so you have a realistic view of your activity.
Do not gamble to celebrate, escape problems or change your mood.
Never allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person’s account.

You must meet the minimum legal age requirements that apply to you before using online gambling services. Minors must not access or use a gambling account. If you share a device with a minor, use suitable device controls and keep your account credentials private.

Tools and account controls

Account controls can help you manage your gambling and make your intentions easier to follow. Depending on the features available through your account, you may be able to request deposit, loss, wagering or session limits, take a cooling-off period or suspend access for a selected period. Limits are intended to support informed choices, but they are not a replacement for personal awareness or professional support.

Before setting a limit

Consider how much money and time you can safely spend without affecting your everyday responsibilities.
Choose a limit that reflects your budget rather than your preferred outcome.
Check the period covered by the limit and understand how it applies to your account.
Allow time for any requested change to take effect where an account control has a waiting or cooling-off period.
Treat a limit as firm and do not try to work around it by opening another account or using another person’s account.

If you feel that a limit is no longer enough, or you are finding it difficult to follow your own plan, consider stopping gambling rather than increasing your limit. You can ask for account restrictions, a temporary break or permanent self-exclusion where those options are available. Self-exclusion is a serious step that prevents or restricts access for the selected period. Follow the instructions provided through your account or support channels to request it.

Do not create a new account to avoid a restriction or self-exclusion. If you have more than one account, tell the operator so the accounts can be reviewed and appropriate restrictions can be applied. Account verification and security checks may be required before certain controls or account actions can be completed.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can affect finances, relationships, work, study, health and emotional wellbeing. It does not always appear suddenly. Small changes in behaviour can become more serious over time, so it is useful to review your habits honestly and act early.

Possible warning signs

Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
Trying to win back losses or feeling that a big win is needed to fix financial problems.
Increasing your stakes or gambling more often to achieve the same excitement.
Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from family and friends.
Borrowing money, missing payments or experiencing financial stress because of gambling.
Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut down or stop.
Neglecting work, study, family, health or other responsibilities.
Using gambling to cope with sadness, stress, loneliness or other difficult feelings.
Arguing with people close to you about gambling or withdrawing from them.
Feeling regret, shame or loss of control after gambling.

One warning sign may be enough to pause and review your gambling. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speak openly with someone you trust and consider contacting a qualified gambling support service in your state or territory. Support is available for people who gamble as well as for family members, partners and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

If gambling is causing immediate financial, emotional or personal danger, stop gambling and seek urgent assistance from appropriate emergency or health services. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact emergency services or a crisis support service immediately.

Support, privacy and personal responsibility

As a player in Australia, you can access gambling support through national, state and territory services, community organisations, financial counsellors and mental health professionals. These services can help you understand your gambling, plan a break, manage financial concerns and discuss the impact on people close to you. You can seek support confidentially and do not need to handle the situation alone.

A trusted friend, partner or family member may help you keep to a plan. Consider telling them about your limits or asking them to support a break from gambling. You may also wish to use device-level blocking tools, banking controls or other independent tools that can restrict access to gambling websites or transactions. These measures can provide an additional layer of protection.

Winshark Casino may take responsible gaming concerns seriously and may ask questions or apply account restrictions where appropriate. We may need to verify your identity and review account information in line with applicable requirements. We will handle personal information in accordance with the applicable privacy information for the service. Do not share passwords, payment details or verification codes with anyone.

Responsible gaming is a shared commitment, but you remain responsible for deciding whether gambling is suitable for you and for following the laws that apply where you live. Read the available account information and game rules before playing. If you are unsure whether gambling is right for you, the safest choice is not to gamble.

Our simple reminder

Set a budget.
Set a time limit.
Never chase losses.
Take regular breaks.
Ask for help early.
Stop gambling if it is no longer fun or within your control.