Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to understand that the house always has an edge, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Play responsibly and within your means. Set limits, stick to them, and remember that losses are part of the game.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online pokies and casino gaming. It is illegal for anyone under the legal gambling age to access these services.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to create an account or gamble online. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gaming habits, contact support services immediately.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity: Being secretive about how much you're gambling or spending
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, family time, or other obligations due to gambling
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Failed attempts to quit: Unable to reduce or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Borrowing money: Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed money to finance gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Lying about gambling: Deceiving friends and family about the extent of your gambling
- Impact on relationships: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling habits
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or other problems
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit per day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of time
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming accounts
- Account Pause: Take a break from gaming for a specified period
- Spending Trackers: Monitor and review your gaming expenditure
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you stay in control and gamble responsibly.
Support Organisations & Helplines
If you need help or support, these organisations provide free, confidential advice:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free counselling and support for problem gambling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (toll-free, 24/7) - Gamblers Anonymous Australia – Peer support and recovery programs
Phone: 1800 693 246 - Beyond Blue – Mental health support (gambling-related anxiety/depression)
www.beyondblue.org.au
Phone: 1300 224 636
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free and confidential support
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please don't hesitate to contact one of the support organisations listed above. Speaking to a counsellor is free, confidential, and the first step towards recovery.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is just a phone call or click away.