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. While playing can be fun and exciting, it's important to remember that the odds always favour the house in the long term. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never use gambling as a substitute for income or investment.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your state or territory) to play online pokies in Australia. Online casinos have a legal obligation to verify your age before allowing access to gaming services.
If you are under the legal age to gamble, please do not attempt to register or access gambling platforms. Underage gambling can lead to serious harm and is illegal.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Neglecting responsibilities (work, study, family) due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or restlessness when not gambling
- Being unable to reduce or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose during a gaming session
- Session Limits: Set time limits for how long you play in a single session
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during play to help you track time and spending
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an online casino or multiple operators through self-exclusion programs
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you decide to stop gambling
Take advantage of these tools to maintain control over your gambling activities.
Support & Help Services
If you're struggling with gambling or suspect you may have a problem, help is available. Contact one of these trusted organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free confidential counselling and information for people concerned about gambling in Australia
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call) - Lifeline Australia – 24/7 crisis support (gambling-related or general mental health concerns)
Phone: 13 11 14 - Beyond Blue – Mental health support and counselling
Phone: 1300 224 636
International
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Problem gambling support and free counselling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Resources and support for problem gambling
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – 24/7 helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help? Reach Out Today
If you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem or is affecting your life negatively, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—gambling addiction is a recognised issue and professional support is available.
Don't gamble alone with a problem. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au for confidential support.
Remember: your wellbeing is more important than any game. Help is just a phone call or click away.