Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. There is no guaranteed way to win, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only what you can afford to lose and never gamble with money needed for essentials like rent, food, or bills.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in Australia. Online pokies operators are required by law to verify your age before allowing you to play. If you are under the legal age, please do not attempt to access gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone else, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying about the time and money spent
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut down or control gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties caused by gambling
- Relationships suffering due to your gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most responsible online pokies operators offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a daily, weekly, or monthly period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a session or time period
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders during your gambling session showing how much time and money you've spent
- Session Limits: Set a time limit for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator's platform for a specified period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your gambling account
Use these tools actively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gamblers
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Gamblers Anonymous — Support groups and peer assistance across Australia
- Lifeline Australia — Crisis support and counselling (13 11 14)
www.lifeline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free counselling and support for problem gamblers
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — Information and resources for responsible gaming
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Referrals to treatment and support services (1-800-522-4700)
www.ncpgambling.org
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal centre for health education with gambling support resources
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is a serious issue, but support is available. Contacting one of the organisations listed above is a confidential and compassionate first step. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.
Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to get help.