Top 10 Online Casinos Australia Real Money: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Australian players seeking the thrill of real-money gambling have never had more options. However, not every online casino is created equal, and finding a safe, fair, and rewarding platform can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The top 10 online casino Australia real money platforms reviewed in this guide have been carefully selected based on licensing, game variety, payout speed, customer support, and player trust. Whether you are a seasoned high roller or just starting your gaming journey, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed choice.

In the rapidly evolving world of online gambling, Australia has a unique landscape. While the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 prohibits locally-based online casinos from offering real-money games to Australians, offshore operators fill the void legally and safely for players. This means that Aussies can still enjoy world-class pokies, table games, live dealer experiences, and generous bonuses. The key is choosing operators that hold reputable international licences and have demonstrated a strong track record with Australian players.

Our list of the top 10 online casino Australia real money sites is built on rigorous research and real player feedback. We have evaluated dozens of platforms, tested their games, verified their licensing, and assessed their banking methods. We also prioritise casinos that support Australian dollars, offer fast withdrawals, and provide responsive support around the clock. Each casino in this ranking has earned its place for delivering exceptional entertainment and secure real-money transactions.

How We Ranked the Best Online Casinos for Australian Players

Every online casino that appears in our top 10 list has undergone a meticulous evaluation process. We consider several crucial factors that impact your overall experience, including security, licensing, game selection, software providers, mobile compatibility, and promotional fairness. Players should look for casinos that display clear terms and conditions, use SSL encryption, and are audited by independent organisations like eCOGRA or iTech Labs.

Licensing is particularly important. The most reputable online casinos for Australian players hold licences from the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Curacao eGaming Authority, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. These licences impose strict rules on fair play, responsible gambling, and player fund protection. We do not recommend unlicensed or blacklisted operators because they pose a significant risk to your personal data and funds.

Another key factor is the range of banking options. Australian players require deposit and withdrawal methods that are fast, secure, and convenient. The top sites offer Visa and Mastercard, bank transfers, POLi, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and even cryptocurrency in some cases. Withdrawal times vary, but the best casinos process requests within 24 hours and deliver funds to e-wallets instantly.

Game fairness and payout percentages are equally important. Our recommended platforms partner with leading software developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Yggdrasil. These providers use certified random number generators to ensure every spin and hand is completely random. We regularly check the published RTP percentages and the performance of each casino’s payout speeds.

Finally, we look at bonuses and loyalty programs. The top online casino Australia real money operators welcome new players with generous deposit matches, free spins, and risk-free bets. But we also read the fine print. Wagering requirements, maximum bet limits, and game contribution percentages can turn a good bonus into a bad deal. We only highlight bonuses that are transparent and attainable for realistic players.

Top 10 Online Casinos Australia Real Money: The Full List

Below you will find our carefully curated list of the best online casinos for Australian players. This list is updated regularly to reflect changes in service quality, licensing status, and player feedback. Each option provides a unique blend of game diversity, banking convenience, and customer support, making them stand out among the hundreds of offshore casinos available today.

1. PlayAussie Casino – Best Overall for Australian Pokies

PlayAussie Casino leads our list of top 10 online casino Australia real money sites for 2025. With a dedicated focus on the Australian market, this casino offers over 2,000 pokies from 40+ software providers. New players are welcomed with a 100% match bonus up to $500 plus 200 free spins. The site is fully optimised for mobile, and payouts are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets.

Licensed by the Curacao eGaming Authority, PlayAussie uses industry-standard SSL encryption. A live chat team is available 24/7 to answer questions in English. The casino supports AUD, and deposits can be made using Visa, Mastercard, POLi, Bitcoin, and Neosurf. The withdrawal limits are generous, and VIP players enjoy weekly cashback and personal account managers. All in all, a very reliable choice.

2. Fair Go Casino – Trusted Name for Aussie Gamblers

Fair Go Casino has been serving Australian players since 2017 and has built a loyal following due to its straightforward approach and high payouts. The casino is owned by the same group that operates Australia’s favourite brands, making it a reliable option. It offers a 100% match bonus up to $1,000 on the first deposit and daily promotions.

Fair Go specialises in slots and pokies, sports betting, and live casino games. The games are powered by Realtime Gaming, known for graphics and progressive jackpots like Aztec’s Treasure and Shopping Spree. Australian players can use Visa, Mastercard, POLi, Flexepin, and Bitcoin. Withdrawals via bank transfer take 2-3 days, but crypto transactions are completed within 24 hours. Fair Go is fully licensed and certified by the Curacao Gaming Commission.

3. Joe Fortune – Premium Real Money Gaming Since 2016

Joe Fortune is another famous online casino in Australia that makes our top 10 list. It is known for its strong focus on Bitcoin and crypto gaming, but it also supports traditional fiat methods. The casino offers a 150% match bonus up to $3,000 for new players, which is one of the highest in the industry. Game selection includes more than 500 pokies, bitcoin games, and live dealer tables.

The casino is licensed in Curacao and uses provably fair technology for crypto games. Joe Fortune processes withdrawals in a matter of hours for crypto, and bank withdrawals are completed within 48 hours. The site is mobile-friendly and offers a dedicated app for iOS. Customer support is excellent, with telephone and live chat options available around the clock.

Joe Fortune’s Key Features

From our detailed review, Joe Fortune has no withdrawal limits for crypto users, which is a major plus for high rollers. The casino rewards regular players with a lucrative loyalty program that includes cashback, reload bonuses, and exclusive tournaments. Additionally, the user interface is simple to navigate, so you can go from registration to your first real-money spin in under three minutes.

4. Ignition Casino – Best for Poker and Live Dealer Thrills

Ignition Casino is a powerhouse in the Australian online gambling market. While it is famous for high-volume poker rooms, the casino side offers over 700 high-quality games. Ignition is licensed by the Curacao Gaming Authority and has an impeccable reputation for shielding player data. The welcome bonus is a 150% match on up to $1,500 for Bitcoin deposits, with a low rollover requirement.

This casino is particularly noteworthy for its live dealer section, featuring blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows powered by Evolution Gaming. Australian players enjoy AUD-denominated accounts and can use credit cards, Bitcoin, and bank transfers. Ignition’s withdrawal speeds are above average – e-wallets are instant, while bank transfers are processed within two days. We also found that their customer service team answers queries quickly and politely.

5. Red Dog Casino – Great Mobile Experience and Generous Bonuses

If you are looking for an online casino that works flawlessly on your smartphone or tablet, Red Dog Casino is an excellent choice. It has been operating since 2019 and is fully tailored to the Australian market. The casino offers a 225% match bonus on the first deposit and an additional 25% no less than five times on subsequent deposits. This puts Red Dog at the top of the bonus game.

Red Dog has over 200 classic and video pokies, along with 50+ table games. The live casino is powered by Visionary iGaming, with real dealers and HD streaming. The casino is licensed in Curacao and uses 256-bit SSL encryption. Payout speeds are quick: e-wallets and Bitcoin are processed within 24 hours. The mobile version is lightning fast, no downloads are required, and the interface loads in a snap even on 3G connections.

6. Wild Casino Australia – Excellent for High Rollers and Crypto Fans

Wild Casino Australia is a bold, modern platform that appeals especially to high-rolling players. It features a massive game library, more than 300 table games, and a dedicated live casino. Wild Casino is licensed by the Panama Gaming Control Board and has no issues with local Australian players. The website supports AUD, USD, EUR, and a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple.

New players receive a generous 250% up to $5,000 welcome package across the first five deposits. Wild Casino also run a referral bonus and a VIP program which returns up to 15% cashback weekly. Bank withdrawals are processed within 72 hours, while cryptocurrency payments are almost instant. Live chat is accessible around the clock, and you can even reach them by phone for urgent issues.

7. BitStarz – Best Multilingual Online Casino for Aussies

BitStarz is an award-winning online casino that welcomes Australian players with open arms. Launched in 2014, BitStarz offers over 3,500 games and is considered a crypto-savvy pioneer. This top online casino Australia real money site accepts AUD for fiat deposits and also supports Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin. New players receive up to 1 BTC plus 180 free spins over their first four deposits.

The casino is licensed by the Curacao eGaming Authority and is certified by iTech Labs for game fairness. BitStarz is famous for its zero-fee withdrawals, unlimited withdrawal times, and instant payouts for crypto. The real money pokies section features all the classics: Book of Dead, Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and hundreds more. If you like the convenience of cryptocurrency, BitStarz should be at the top of your shortlist.

8. Roo Casino – Simplest Site for Safe and Fast Play

Roo Casino may look simple, but it packs a mighty punch. Owned by the same group as Fair Go and Red Dog, Roo Casino focuses on quality rather than overwhelming quantity. With a respectful nod to Australian wildlife, the casino is easy to navigate and optimised for both desktop and mobile. Roo Casino offers an impressive 150% welcome bonus up to $400 plus 100 free spins on the popular pokie, Fuji Fortunes.

Powered by RealTime Gaming, the casino features around 200 games, which is sufficient for most players. The site is fully secure with SSL encryption and supports Visa, Mastercard, POLi, Flexepin, and Bitcoin. You can withdraw your winnings through your chosen method, and pending periods are only 24 hours. Customer support is friendly and efficient via live chat and email.

9. Loki Casino – Massive Variety and Weekly Cashback

Loki Casino is a modern crypto-friendly casino launched in 2019. It has quickly gained popularity among Australian players because of its jaw-dropping library of games. With software from Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, and many others, players can enjoy more than 3,000 slots. For new users, Loki offers a no-deposit bonus of 30 free spins, plus a welcome package that includes a 100% match up to $500.

Loki operates under a Curacao licence and provides provably fair games for transparency. Real-money players might use credit cards, bank transfers, POLi, Skrill, Neteller, and various cryptocurrencies. The site ensures all payouts are reasonably quick: e-wallets see your funds within hours, and bank transfers in 1-2 business days. There is also a strong weekly cashback offer, which gives you a safety net when luck is not on your side.

10. Aussie Play Casino – Powerful Pokies by RTG

Closing out our list of top 10 online casino Australia real money sites is Aussie Play Casino. This platform is a favourite among players who love RealTime Gaming titles since it offers the entire suite of RTG games, including many progressive jackpot pokies. The casino provides a 100% match bonus up to $500 plus 50 free spins with your first deposit. There are also extensive weekly promotions and a VIP club.

Aussie Play is licensed by the Curacao government and utilises 256-bit SSL encryption technology to protect player data. Deposits via Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Neosurf, and Flexepin are processed instantly. Withdrawal requests are handled quickly, with a maximum withdrawal limit that suits both casual players and high rollers. The support team is friendly, though live chat is only available after registration.

Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing a Real Money Casino in Australia

Knowing the top options is only half the battle. To ensure a safe and enjoyable gambling experience, you need to customise your choice based on personal preferences. Certain factors will be more important to different players. For example, a slot enthusiast might prioritise game variety, while a poker player will look for a robust poker network. Below are the core considerations to keep in mind when exploring any of the top 10 online casino Australia real money sites.

Licensing and Reputation

Never gamble with your money at a site that lacks a valid licence and a transparent company behind it. The safest options are licensed in Curacao, Malta, or the United Kingdom. You can verify the licence on the casino’s footer and by clicking through the regulator’s website. Additionally, read reviews and player complaints on forums like AskGamblers or Trustpilot to learn about any red flags such as delayed withdrawals or unfair terms.

Game Selection and Software Providers

Real money gambling is only fun if there are games you enjoy. The best Australian real money casinos present tiers of games sorted by new, popular, slots, table, live, and jackpot. Check whether the site includes games by reputable developers. Big names such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution, and Pragmatic Play guarantee smooth gameplay, crisp graphics, and fair payouts. A small library may become boring quickly, but a giant library can also become overwhelming. Find the right balance for your habits.

Banking Options and AUD Support

Since you will deposit and withdraw real money, it’s critical to check the available payment methods. The top casinos on this list support Australian dollars and familiar methods like POLi, which is an instant bank transfer system used in Australia. Many also support Visa and Mastercard, although some Australian banks prevent gambling transactions. In that case, using Bitcoin, Neosurf, or Flexepin is a solid alternative. Always review the minimum and maximum deposit/withdrawal limits and any processing fees.

Bonuses and Wagering Requirements

Bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll, but they come with terms. A standard wagering requirement of 35x means you must wager your bonus amount 35 times before you can withdraw winnings made from it. Some online casinos advertise huge bonuses with 70x wagering requirements, which are nearly impossible to clear. We recommend selecting one of the top 10 online casino Australia real money sites listed above because they offer bonuses with manageable wagering conditions.

Mobile Compatibility and User Experience

In 2025, mobile gambling is no longer optional. The best online casinos provide seamless play on smartphones and tablets, either through a native app or via a browser interface. Check that the games load quickly and the buttons are easy to use on a smaller screen. Also, ensure that you can make deposits and withdrawals from the mobile interface. If a website is clunky on mobile, it deserves a pin lower in your rankings.

Customer Support and Responsible Gambling

A trustworthy casino cares about its player base. Live chat is the best indicator of responsive customer support. Test it out with a simple question before registering. You should also check if the casino supports responsible gambling. Reputable operators provide tools for setting deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, and self-exclusion options. These features prove that they want you to enjoy the fun but also control your spending.

Understanding Casino Bonuses at Australian Real Money Sites

The world of online casino bonuses can be confusing, but once you master it, you’ll significantly increase your chances of winning without risking your own money. The primary categories include welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, free spins, cashback bonuses, reload bonuses, and high roller offerings. Each type has distinct mechanics and value. Let’s dive into what makes these promotions tick.

Welcome bonuses typically match a percentage of your first deposit. For instance, a 100% match bonus on a $500 deposit gives you an extra $500 in bonus funds. Some sites offer a multi-tier welcome package that matches your first four or five deposits. Free spins are often bundled and are assigned to specific pokies, such as “Book of Dead”. Remember, the value of a free spin is fixed, but winnings may be subject to wagering requirements.

No-deposit bonuses are rare because they give you a small amount of bonus cash or free spins just for registering. This is a great way to test a casino’s quality without any financial risk, but the wagering requirements are often very high. Cashback bonuses return a small percentage of your net losses over a certain period, usually weekly or monthly. A 5% cashback on a losing week may not sound impressive, but it can soften the blow after a cold streak.

Reload bonuses are offered to existing players to encourage them to top up their accounts. They are usually lower than the welcome bonus, often 25%-50% of the deposit amount. High rollers may benefit from special VIP bonuses with higher limits and lower wagering requirements. The top 10 online casino Australia real money platforms offer a range of these, so be sure to read the terms carefully before claiming anything.

How to Calculate the Real Value of a Bonus

You cannot compare bonuses simply by looking at the percentage or the amount of free spins. The real value is determined by the expected loss while satisfying the wagering requirement. Let’s say you receive a $200 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement. That means you must wager $7,000. If the casino game has a 96% RTP, then your expected loss is 4% of $7,000, which equals $280. Since the bonus is only $200, the average result is a negative value of $80. In contrast, a small bonus with a low 10x wagering requirement can be more valuable.

Also consider the game contribution. Slot games almost always contribute 100% towards wagering, while table games like blackjack or roulette contribute only 5% or even 0%. Hence, bonuses are generally designed for slot players. When choosing a real money casino Australia, practice responsible gambling and always wager within your means. Use the bonus as an opportunity to try new pokies and gaming strategies, not as a guarantee of profit.

Popular Real Money Games at Australian Online Casinos

Once you have selected your preferred casino, it’s time to play. The most popular games in Australian online casinos are pokies, which are known as slot machines elsewhere. Australian players have a long-standing love affair with these flashing, spinning games. Online casinos feature thousands of them, from classic three-reel pokies to multi-payline video pokies with cascading reels and progressive jackpots. Many players also enjoy table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.

Pokies come in countless themes and styles: Ancient Egypt, mythology, animals, adventures, movies, or fruit machines. High-quality pokies include animated features like free spins, sticky wilds, expanding wilds, multipliers, and bonus games. The best way to choose a pokie is to check its return to player (RTP) percentage. Games with an RTP above 96% offer better long-term payouts. Volatility is another important metric: low-volatility pokies yield frequent small wins, whereas high-volatility pokies offer larger but less frequent wins.

Table games are more skill oriented. In online blackjack, you use strategic decisions to reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5%. Roulette is pure chance but very exciting, especially European roulette with a house edge of just 2.7%. Baccarat has one of the lowest house edges and is a favourite of high rollers. Video poker is also popular because it combines slot convenience with poker strategy. Always perfect your strategy before playing with real money to reduce losses.

Live dealer games bring the land-based casino atmosphere directly to your screen. A real dealer, a physical table, and actual cards or roulette wheel are streamed via high-definition cameras. Players can interact with the dealer and other players through live chat. Evolution Gaming is the premium provider of live casino games, offering many variants like Lightning Roulette, Speed Blackjack, Crazy Time, and Fame In Prey. These games require a stable internet connection and are the fastest-growing segment in the online gambling world.

Payment Methods: Depositing and Withdrawing Real Money in Australia

Managing your money securely is arguably the most important part of online gambling. Australian players face some unique challenges because local banks often block transactions to overseas gambling sites. As a result, online casinos now offer alternative methods like POLi, which directly links to your Australian bank account, and Neosurf, a prepaid voucher. Understanding every method’s strengths and weaknesses will help you fund your account without any hiccups.

Debit and Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at most offshore online casinos. However, some Australian banks decline transactions that appear as gambling. If your card is rejected, try using your card with a prepaid balance or contact a live chat to ask about alternative deposit instructions. When cards are accepted, deposits are usually instantaneous. Withdrawals back to cards are rare in Australia, so you might need to use another method for cashouts.

E-Wallets

E-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, PayPal (not accepted at many gambling sites in Australia), and ecoPayz provide a fast and secure bridge between your bank and the casino. Deposits are instant and withdrawals are often processed within 12-24 hours. E-wallets also help you avoid showing gambling transactions on your bank statements. Yet, always check whether a casino charges fees for e-wallet transactions. Some operators exclude e-wallet deposits from eligibility for welcome bonuses.

POLi

POLi is an Australian instant bank transfer method that lets you deposit directly from your online banking account. It does not require a separate registration; simply choose POLi at the cashier, select your bank, and log in using your existing banking credentials. POLi is fast and secure and is accepted at most of the top online casino Australia real money sites. The only downside is that withdrawals to POLi are not possible, so you must choose another option like skin or bank transfer.

Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies have become the preferred method for online gambling. They offer complete anonymity, zero transaction fees, and near-instant deposits and withdrawals. Crypto also bypasses the restrictions that Australian banks place on credit cards. Many casinos, like BitStarz and Ignition, offer special crypto welcome bonuses. The value of Bitcoin fluctuates, but for gambling, the convenience and safety are unmatched. We highly recommend keeping some coins in your digital wallet for smooth gambling.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers are the oldest and most straightforward way to deposit and withdraw. However, they can be slow, especially on withdrawals, taking up to five business days. Some banks charge a fee for international wire transfers. If you deposit via bank transfer, ensure the casino uses a local Australian bank account to avoid high fees and delays. Withdrawals via bank transfer are often kept aside for high rollers because of the paperwork involved.

Safety and Security at Australian Online Casinos

No matter how attractive a bonus or a game is, you should never sacrifice your safety. The internet is full of rogue casinos that operate with the intention of stealing money. This is why we only feature the top 10 online casino Australia real money platforms in this guide. But you, as a player, should also take proactive measures. First, verify the casino’s licensing on its official website and check the regulator’s seal. Make sure the site uses HTTPS and shows a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.

Read the privacy policy to understand how your data is used. Responsible casinos will never share personal information with third parties. Security of transactions is guaranteed by SSL/TLS encryption. The strongest encryption is 256-bit, the same standard used by banks. In addition, reputable casinos use RNG certifications to ensure that no one can tamper with game outcomes. Independent auditors like eCOGRA inspect the online casino on a regular basis and award a seal of approval if all fair-play standards are met.

Account verification is another aspect of security. When you register and later request a withdrawal, the casino will ask for copies of your ID, proof of residency, and perhaps the front and back of your credit card. This policy is known as Know Your Customer (KYC). While it may seem tedious, it protects both you and the casino from fraud and money laundering. Verify your account as soon as possible after registering to avoid withdrawal delays. Choose a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication if available.

In addition to security, reputable operators promote responsible gambling. They provide tools to self-exclude and to set deposit limits. If you feel that your gambling is getting out of control, seek help from organisations like Gambling Help Onlineor the national helpline at 1800 858 858. These services are free and confidential, and they can provide you with the support and guidance you need to regain control. Beyond the tools offered by the casino, the most effective responsible gambling strategy is to set strict limits before you start playing. Decide how much you are willing to lose, and never chase your losses because that is the quickest path to serious financial trouble. Set a time limit for each session and stick to it, and most importantly, treat every deposit as the cost of entertainment rather than a potential investment.

The top 10 online casino Australia real money sites we have reviewed here all encourage you to take regular breaks and use their built-in player protection tools. For example, you can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits at the cashier, or you can activate a session timer that alerts you when you have been playing for a long time. If you ever feel overwhelmed, a quick click on the “Self-Exclusion” button will block you from the site for a chosen period. There is no shame in taking a break, and the best operators understand that a healthy playerbase is far more valuable than one that churns and burns. By gambling responsibly, you ensure that the fun remains exactly that – fun.

As you explore the top 10 online casino Australia real money platforms, you will notice that the market is constantly evolving. The rise of live dealer games, augmented reality, and virtual reality casinos is pushing the boundaries of what you can experience from your living room. However, no matter how innovative a platform becomes, two things will never change: the need for ironclad security and the importance of fair, prompt payouts. We always recommend testing a new casino with a small deposit juggle first, verifying how fast and smoothly the withdrawal process works before you commit larger sums. You should also keep an eye on the casino’s email inbox for any changes to their terms and conditions, as sometimes the bonus rules or maximum withdrawal limits are updated without much fanfare.

For the vast majority of Australian players, the best approach is to stick to a few trusted brands rather than hopping between dozens of unlicensed sites. Our ten casino recommendations represent years of collective player experience across hundreds of titles and thousands of real-money spins. Ignition Casino is undoubtedly the best pick for poker fans, while PlayAussie offers the largest collection of pokies. Joe Fortune is the undisputed king of bitcoin gaming, and Fair Go Casino is the reliable all-rounder. Red Dog, Roo, and Aussie Play are perfect for casual players who enjoy simple browsing and quick action, while BitStarz, Wild, and Loki cater to crypto enthusiasts and high rollers with massive game libraries and impressive tournament schedules.

One last practical tip: before you sign up at any of these casinos, double-check that the bonus terms align with your playing style. If you prefer playing high-stakes blackjack, avoid bonuses with strict wagering requirements that only slot games contribute to fully. If you are a pokie player, look for free spins and low deposit match offers, as they give you a longer run for your money. And if you are ready to make your first withdrawal, make sure your account is verified in advance. Sending in a copy of your driver’s licence and a recent utility bill immediately after registering is a smart way to avoid any delay when you hit that lucky jackpot. Once your identity has been confirmed, your funds will flow quickly and securely to your hands.

In conclusion, the top 10 online casinos Australia real money gamblers can really on in 2025 are diverse, player-focused, and constantly improving their services. We have done the heavy lifting of reviewing the safety protocols, payout statistics, licensing details, and customer support responsiveness. What remains is for you to decide which atmosphere suits your style. Whether you choose the high-energy pokie halls of PlayAussie, the skilled poker tables of Ignition, or the crypto-first ecosystem of BitStarz, remember that a great casino experience is built on trust and transparency. Keep this guide by your side, always play within your bankroll, and you will find countless hours of thrilling entertainment at your fingertips. Good luck, have fun, and remember that the house always has an edge – so never bet more than you can afford to lose.