Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial harm. Richard operates as an offshore platform, and while it offers certain tools to help players manage their activity, the responsibility ultimately rests with you. This page explains the warning signs to watch for, the questions worth asking yourself, and where to turn for help in Australia.
Why Responsible Gambling Matters
Gambling becomes a problem when it stops being fun and starts affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health. The transition can be gradual, and it's easy to rationalise behaviour that others would flag as concerning. Setting boundaries before you need them is the most effective form of harm prevention.
No platform, operator or regulator can make these decisions for you. The tools described below are only useful if you're willing to use them honestly.
Warning Signs – When Gambling Gets Out of Hand
These behaviours don't always appear together, and not every one of them means you have a problem. But if several feel familiar, it's worth pausing to assess:
- Chasing losses – depositing more to recover what you've already lost
- Lying to family or friends about how much you're spending or how often you play
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, study or family responsibilities because of time spent gambling
- Feeling anxious, restless or irritable when you try to cut back
- Gambling to escape problems or numb difficult emotions
Good to know: problem gambling isn't about willpower. It's a behavioural health issue, and it responds to structured support.
A Few Questions to Ask Yourself
These aren't diagnostic, but they're worth reflecting on honestly:
- Have you ever gambled longer than you intended?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed after a session?
- Has gambling caused arguments with people close to you?
- Have you tried to stop or cut back, and found you couldn't?
- Do you gamble to escape worry, boredom or loneliness?
- After losing, do you feel a strong urge to return as soon as possible and win it back?
If you answered yes to more than one, consider reaching out to a support service. You don't need to wait until things feel unmanageable.
Richard's Control Tools
Richard provides self-exclusion as an account-level control. Players can request exclusion through the operator's own support channels, and the operator states this will close access for a set period. Deposit limits, session timers and reality checks are not confirmed in the platform's published materials.
These tools are configured and enforced by the operator, not by this site. If you need to activate self-exclusion or request a cooling-off period, contact Richard's support directly via live chat or email.
Worth remembering: offshore operators like Richard are not covered by Australia's national self-exclusion scheme. That's an important limitation, and it's explained further below.
Tips for Gambling Sensibly
If you choose to gamble, these habits reduce risk:
- Set a budget before you start – decide what you can afford to lose, and stop when you reach it.
- Set a time limit – decide in advance how long a session will last, and stick to it.
- Never chase losses – accept that losing is part of gambling, and walk away rather than depositing more to recover.
- Don't gamble on credit – only use money you already have, never borrowed funds.
- Take regular breaks – step away from the screen, even during winning streaks.
- Keep gambling separate from other parts of your life – don't gamble when you're tired, upset or under the influence of alcohol.
Where to Find Help in Australia
If gambling is causing harm, or you're worried about someone else, support is available at no cost.
National Gambling Helpline
1800 858 858 – free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Counsellors can provide immediate support, and the service also offers free online chat and email counselling through Gambling Help Online at gamblinghelponline.org.au.
BetStop – National Self-Exclusion Register
BetStop is a free, government-run service that lets you exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers at once. Register at betstop.gov.au. Exclusions last a minimum of three months and can be set for longer periods, up to life.
Here's the thing: BetStop covers licensed Australian wagering providers only. It does not block access to offshore operators like Richard, which do not hold an Australian licence. If you're using an offshore platform and need to self-exclude, you'll need to request that directly through the operator's own systems.
Blocking Software
Software like Gamban and BetBlocker can block access to gambling sites across all your devices. Both services work internationally and cover offshore operators. There's usually a fee for Gamban, while BetBlocker is free.
International Peer Support
Gamblers Anonymous runs face-to-face and online meetings across Australia, using a peer-support model. Gambling Therapy offers free online support and counselling in multiple languages.
Protecting Minors
Gambling is restricted to adults. Richard requires users to be at least 18 years of age, and the platform states it will verify identity before processing withdrawals. Parents and guardians should use device-level parental controls to block access to gambling sites, and monitor online activity where younger people have unsupervised access to the internet.
If you suspect a minor is gambling, address it directly and seek guidance from a family counsellor or one of the services listed above.
Contact and Further Information
This site is an independent information portal. We do not operate Richard, hold player accounts, or process deposits or withdrawals. If you need help with an account matter, responsible gambling settings, or self-exclusion, contact the operator's support team directly.
For questions about the content on this page, write to [email protected].
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore.
Disclaimer: This site provides information only and does not operate a casino, accept wagers, or organise gambling. Access is restricted to users 18+ only. If gambling is causing harm, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit betstop.gov.au.