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 make money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to understand that the odds always favour the house. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble more than your budget allows.
Age Verification
Gaming is strictly for adults aged 18 years and over in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under the legal gambling age to participate in online pokies or casino gaming. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gaming services.
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
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like bills, rent, or food
- Spending more time and money on gaming than intended
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Borrowing money to fund your gambling
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gaming
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gaming to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Limits
Most reputable gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during your gaming sessions to track time spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing gaming accounts
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gaming without closing your account permanently
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits.
Get Help – Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available and free. Contact these trusted organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Provides counselling, support groups, and resources for Australians affected by problem gambling. - Gambling Help Services
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7 free helpline)
Available across all Australian states and territories.
United Kingdom
- GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free, confidential support and counselling. - GamStop
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gaming.
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Education and support for problem gambling in Canada.
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential helpline)
Referrals and support for problem gambling.
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Website: www.bzga.de
German federal centre for health education and gambling support.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone and often develops gradually. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free. Whether you're concerned about your own gaming or someone else's, don't hesitate to contact a support organisation listed above.
Remember: Recovery is possible, and help is available.