Responsible Gaming

Introduction Responsible gaming means approaching online casino entertainment in a conscious, informed, and controlled way. Gambling should remain a recreational activity, never a way to solve financial problems or cope with stress. This page explains how players using information and links on shazam-au.com about Shazam can recognise risks, set limits, and access help. The operator of Shazam, as profiled on shazam-au.com, states a commitment to supporting safer play by providing practical tools, clear information, and access to professional support services. If your gambling stops being fun or you feel that you are losing control, assistance is available and you are encouraged to act early.

Risk Awareness

Gambling always carries financial and psychological risks. In Australia, online casinos such as Shazam (operated under a Curacao licence and listed by ACMA on the blocked gambling sites register) are not licensed locally and may not provide the same protections as Australian-regulated services. It is therefore critical to monitor your own behaviour and to recognise early signs of harm.

Typical signs of problematic gambling

• Increasing time and money spent: Frequently depositing more than you planned, chasing losses, or needing higher stakes to feel the same excitement.
• Preoccupation with gambling: Thinking about the casino when you should be focusing on work, study, or family, or planning your next session constantly.
• Loss of control: Difficulty stopping once you start, repeatedly breaking your own rules or limits, or gambling longer than intended.
• Financial pressure: Using savings earmarked for bills or essentials, borrowing money, selling possessions, or hiding transactions.
• Emotional distress: Feeling guilt, shame, anxiety, irritability or depression linked to your gambling, especially after losses.
• Social and work impact: Withdrawing from family and friends, missing work or study, or reduced performance because of gambling.

Self-assessment: quick check

Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you often answer "yes", your gambling may be at risk of becoming harmful:

• Do I gamble more money or more often than I originally planned?
• Have I tried to win back money I lost by continuing to play ("chasing losses")?
• Have I ever lied to family, friends, or colleagues about how much I gamble or lose?
• Do I use gambling to escape from problems, stress, loneliness, or negative moods?
• Have my gambling activities caused arguments, financial difficulties, or missed obligations?
• Would it be hard for me to stop gambling completely for one month?

If these questions raise concern, it is strongly recommended that you use the limit and exclusion tools described below and contact one of the professional support services listed in the Support Resources section.

Limits & Tools

The information and reviews on shazam-au.com encourage players viewing Shazam to use built-in safeguards wherever available. While Shazam operates under a Curacao licence (365/JAZ, sub-licence GLH-OCCHKTW0706152021) and is not licensed in Australia, responsible operators typically provide tools for setting financial and time limits. The exact menu names may vary, but the principles below apply.

Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)

1. Access your account settings: After logging into your Shazam account via shazam-au.com links, go to "Cashier" or "My Account" and then select the "Responsible Gaming" or "Player Limits" section.
2. Choose the limit type: Select "Deposit Limits" and then choose the timeframe:
   • Daily limit - total amount you can deposit in 24 hours (e.g. AUD 50).
   • Weekly limit - total amount you can deposit in 7 days (e.g. AUD 150).
   • Monthly limit - total amount you can deposit in 30 days (e.g. AUD 400).
3. Enter the amounts: Type conservative figures that you can afford to lose without affecting rent, bills, food, or other essentials. Confirm by clicking "Save" or "Apply".
4. Cooling-off for increases: Decreases to limits should take effect immediately, while any request to increase or remove limits should be subject to a cooling-off period (for example, 24 hours). During that period, you can reconsider the decision.

Important: Because Shazam is not authorised in Australia and appears on the ACMA blocked sites register, the availability and enforcement of these tools cannot be guaranteed. For safer options, consider using locally regulated services and external blocking tools as described below.

Session time limits and reminders

• Session timer: In the "Responsible Gaming" or "Preferences" section, look for "Session Limit" or "Reality Check". Choose a maximum continuous play time (for example, 30, 60, or 120 minutes).
• Reality check pop-ups: Enable notifications that appear at chosen intervals (for example, every 30 minutes) showing:
  • How long you have been logged in;
  • Your net win/loss during the current session;
  • Options to "Continue" or "Log out".

Short breaks ("Time-Out")

1. Open "Responsible Gaming" and select "Time-Out" or "Short Break".
2. Choose a duration, typically:
   • 24 hours;
   • 48 hours;
   • 72 hours (3 days); or
   • Up to several weeks, depending on the options provided.
3. Confirm your selection. During the time-out period, you should not be able to deposit or place bets. In many systems, you can still log in to withdraw funds, but not to gamble.

Regardless of the internal tools offered by Shazam, players in Australia are strongly encouraged to combine any in-casino settings with independent blocking software and to seek professional support if they feel at risk.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger protective measure for players who feel they are losing control or who have already experienced gambling-related harm. It normally prevents access to the gambling account for a fixed period or permanently. Because Shazam is operated from outside Australia under a Curacao licence and is not authorised by Australian regulators, players should also rely on national schemes and independent blocking tools to reinforce any internal exclusion.

How to initiate self-exclusion

1. Locate the self-exclusion option: After logging in, navigate to "My Account" > "Responsible Gaming" > "Self-Exclusion", if available. If you cannot find this, contact customer support through the Shazam website and explicitly request self-exclusion.
2. Choose the exclusion period: Typical options include:
   • 6 months (minimum recommended for serious concerns);
   • 1 year;
   • 2 - 5 years; or
   • Lifetime (permanent closure with no reopening).
3. Confirm your decision: Read the on-screen explanation carefully, tick any required confirmation boxes (for example, acknowledging that the decision is final for the chosen period), and click "Confirm" or "Submit".
4. Contact support if necessary: If the online option is not functioning, write to the main contact email associated with Shazam via the brand review, for example through [email protected] (used for shazam-au.com communications) or the support address shown on the operator's own website, clearly stating that you wish to self-exclude and for how long.

Consequences of self-exclusion

• Account access: You should not be able to log in or reopen the excluded account during the chosen period. New account creation with the same personal details should be prohibited under good practice, but this cannot be guaranteed with offshore operators.
• Deposits and betting: You will not be able to deposit or wager. Any promotional or marketing communications from the operator should cease once your request has been processed.
• Withdrawals and balances: Generally, you may request withdrawal of any remaining real-money balance in accordance with the operator's terms and conditions. Bonus balances or incomplete wagering requirements may be forfeited, depending on the rules of Shazam.
• Irreversibility: For the duration of the self-exclusion, the operator should not lift or shorten the period on request. Lifetime exclusions are usually final.

Important AU note: Because Shazam is not licensed in Australia and appears on the ACMA blocked sites register, Australian players should not rely solely on this site's internal self-exclusion. You are strongly advised to use national and third-party blocking tools, contact Australian support services, and avoid using illegal offshore gambling sites.

Support Resources

Professional, confidential help is available if you are worried about your own gambling or someone else's. The services listed below are independent from shazam-au.com and Shazam, and many are funded or endorsed by Australian authorities or recognised international organisations.

Local support for Australia

• National Gambling Helpline (Australia)
  • Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call within Australia)
  • Website: gamblinghelponline.org.au
  • Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (phone and online chat)
  • Languages: English; access to interpreter services for many other languages on request.
• Gambling Help services by state and territory (often connected through the National Helpline)
  • New South Wales: GambleAware - see gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
  • Victoria: Gambler's Help - see gamblershelp.com.au
  • Queensland, SA, WA, Tasmania, NT, ACT: Contact via 1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au for local services.
  • Services offered: Free counselling, financial counselling, online and phone support, and referral to specialised treatment where needed.
• Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) - Research and Information
  • Website: aifs.gov.au - Interactive Gambling Report
  • Purpose: Evidence-based information about interactive gambling in Australia, including risks and trends.

International support organisations

Self-exclusion schemes by country

• United Kingdom - GAMSTOP
  • Website: gamstop.co.uk
  • Coverage: Free self-exclusion from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.
• Spain - RGIAJ (Registro General de Interdicciones de Acceso al Juego)
  • Website: Information via the Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling: ordenacionjuego.es
  • Coverage: National register preventing self-excluded individuals from accessing licensed gambling in Spain.
• Other EU countries: Many have national online gambling self-exclusion registers; check the website of the relevant national gambling authority.

Note for Australian players: At present, national self-exclusion schemes in Australia focus mainly on locally licensed land-based venues and Australian-licensed interactive services. Offshore sites such as Shazam, operating under Curacao licence 365/JAZ, may not be covered. This makes independent blocking tools especially important.

Blocking and filtering tools

• Gamban
  • Website: gamban.com
  • Function: Software that blocks access to most gambling sites and apps across devices.
• BetBlocker
  • Website: betblocker.org
  • Function: Free blocking app that allows you to restrict access to gambling sites for chosen periods.
• Device and ISP filters: Many routers, mobile operating systems, and internet service providers allow blocking of specific categories (such as "gambling") or individual domains. Check parental control or safety settings for your device or network.

Family and affected others support

• Family and friends support lines: The Australian National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) and Gambling Help Online also provide specific assistance to family members and close friends.
• Financial counselling: Free financial counselling services can help with budgeting, debt negotiation, and restoring financial stability. Referrals are available through gamblinghelponline.org.au.

All reputable support services treat your information confidentially, within the limits of the law, and many allow you to remain anonymous. Contacting them does not affect your immigration status, employment rights, or credit history, and they are entirely independent from shazam-au.com and the Shazam operator.

Help for Family

Gambling problems often affect partners, children, relatives, and friends. If someone you care about may be experiencing gambling-related harm, you can play an important role in encouraging them to seek help, while also protecting your own wellbeing.

How to start the conversation

• Choose a calm moment: Talk when the person is not currently gambling, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in the middle of a crisis.
• Use non-judgemental language: Focus on your feelings and concerns rather than accusing them. For example, "I've noticed some changes and I'm worried about you" instead of "You are wasting all your money."
• Give specific examples: Refer gently to missed bills, mood changes, or secrecy without listing every detail in a confrontational way.
• Listen actively: Allow them to speak, acknowledge their feelings, and avoid immediate ultimatums unless safety is at risk.

Encouraging support and practical steps

• Suggest that they complete a self-assessment and talk to a professional counsellor via gamblinghelponline.org.au or the 1800 858 858 helpline.
• Offer to sit with them while they make the first phone call or start a live chat.
• Encourage use of self-exclusion tools and blocking software on all shared devices, especially where children are present.
• Discuss establishing separate finances or safeguards to protect essential household funds, if appropriate.

Support groups and resources for families

• Gambling Help Online - For family and friends
  • Information pages, online forums, and moderated chat for affected others.
  • Website: "I care for someone who gambles"
• Gam-Anon (for families and friends of compulsive gamblers)
  • Website: gam-anon.org
  • Offers support meetings (where available) and literature for relatives.
• Online support forums: Many national helplines link to safe forums where families can share experiences anonymously. Always use reputable, moderated platforms recommended by official services.

Looking after yourself

• Seek your own counselling or support, even if your relative is not ready to change.
• Avoid taking on more debt to cover gambling-related losses where possible and seek independent financial advice.
• If you feel at risk of family violence or serious harm, contact emergency services (000 in Australia) or national domestic violence hotlines immediately.

Operator's Commitment

shazam-au.com provides information and reviews about Shazam (Shazam), which is operated by Alistair Solutions N.V. under Curacao licence 365/JAZ (sub-licence GLH-OCCHKTW0706152021). The service is not licensed in Australia and is listed on the ACMA blocked gambling sites register as an illegal offshore gambling site. Therefore, the protections described below reflect general responsible-gambling standards and what a prudent operator should offer, but they may not be equivalent to those required under Australian law for licensed operators.

Internal risk checks and monitoring

• Behavioural analysis: Responsible operators monitor accounts for indicators of harm, such as:
  • Very frequent deposits, particularly in a short timeframe;
  • Rapid escalation of stakes or change from low-risk to high-risk play patterns;
  • Repeated failed deposits or evidence of using multiple payment methods;
  • Extended sessions without breaks, especially overnight play;
  • Requests for bonus offers combined with signs of distress in communications.
• Automated notifications: Where risk patterns are detected, players may receive:
  • In-session messages reminding them of time spent and losses;
  • Prompts to review or reduce deposit and session limits;
  • Information banners linking to responsible gambling tools and support organisations.
• Temporary account interventions: In higher-risk situations, the operator may:
  • Apply temporary cooling-off periods or session caps;
  • Limit certain forms of marketing or promotional offers;
  • Request confirmation that the player has read responsible gaming information.

When support may proactively contact a player

Subject to privacy laws and the operator's terms of use, customer support or a responsible gambling team may initiate contact where:

• Data suggest a high risk of harm (for example, continuous high-value deposits, evidence of chasing losses, or very long sessions);
• The player has previously disclosed gambling problems or requested help;
• There are repeated contacts with support expressing distress, financial hardship, or difficulty stopping play.

Contact is usually made via email or on-site messaging and may include information about limits, self-exclusion, and external help services. Any such contact should be supportive and non-promotional.

Important legal clarification for AU players: Because Shazam is not authorised under the Australian Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and is on the ACMA blocked sites register, Australian regulatory bodies do not supervise its responsible gambling systems in the same way they supervise licensed domestic providers. shazam-au.com does not operate the casino and cannot enforce operator behaviour. Australian players are strongly encouraged to avoid illegal offshore gambling services and to use locally regulated options instead.

Updates

This responsible gaming page for Shazam, published on shazam-au.com, may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in Australian law, regulatory guidance (including from the Australian Communications and Media Authority - ACMA), the operator's policies, or best-practice standards in responsible gambling.

How you will be informed

• On-site notice: Material updates to this page may be highlighted via a banner or notice on shazam-au.com.
• E-mail communication: Where appropriate and where contact details are available, summary information about significant changes may be provided by email.
• Document date: The "last updated" date below indicates when this page was most recently reviewed and revised.

Last updated: 6 November 2026

Contact & Feedback

If you have questions about the responsible gaming information provided on shazam-au.com in relation to Shazam, or if you wish to share feedback about safer gambling content, you can contact the site using the details below. Please note that this is a review and information service; it does not operate player accounts and cannot process deposits, withdrawals, or self-exclusion requests on behalf of Shazam.

• E-mail (responsible gaming and general enquiries for shazam-au.com): [email protected]
• Phone: Not specified for shazam-au.com at the time of the latest update.

Feedback and self-control requests

To support your self-control efforts, you may:

• Write to [email protected] with the subject line "Responsible Gaming Feedback - Shazam" to:
  • Request additional information about responsible gambling resources;
  • Report concerns about content accuracy or clarity in the Shazam materials;
  • Suggest improvements to safer-gambling information presented on shazam-au.com.
• Use any contact or feedback forms provided on shazam-au.com (if made available in future) to submit responsible gaming questions or comments.

For urgent help with gambling problems, relationship issues, or financial distress, please contact the Australian National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or use the services listed in the Support Resources section, rather than relying solely on email communication with shazam-au.com.