Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Set limits before you play and stick to them.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access pokies and online gambling services in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble.
If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not continue. If you suspect someone underage is gambling, please report it to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these apply to you? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Being unable to reduce or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Experiencing mood changes after gambling (irritability, anxiety, or depression)
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Borrowing money to fund gambling
- Continuing to gamble despite financial hardship
- Feeling a loss of control over your gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, reach out for help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Protections
Most reputable gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during your gaming session reminding you how long you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an operator's platform
- Session Timers: Set alarms to remind you to take breaks
- Account Restrictions: Request voluntary account restrictions or closures
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you gamble safely and within your limits.
Support & Help Organizations
If you need help with gambling, please contact one of these trusted organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free counselling and support service for problem gambling in Australia
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free and confidential)
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Evidence-based information and resources
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – Helpline and referral services
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal health education centre
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek professional support immediately. There is no shame in asking for help.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 – it's free, confidential, and available to anyone in Australia who needs support with problem gambling.
Remember: gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it's causing you stress, financial hardship, or affecting your relationships, it's time to seek help.