Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
Online pokies and casino games are designed for entertainment purposes only. They should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. When you play, please remember that the house always has a mathematical edge, and you may lose money. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and pokies. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls to protect younger family members.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excited
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Neglecting work, school, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Experiencing physical symptoms like sleep problems or headaches
- Lying about the time or money spent gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable online casino and pokies providers offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling websites
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a specified period
- Account Closure: Close your account if you decide to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to stay in control of your gambling habits.
Support Organisations & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support in Australia and internationally:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential online counselling and support for Australians with gambling concerns. - Gamblers Anonymous Australia
Peer support groups across Australia for people in recovery from problem gambling. - Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Crisis support and counselling for all Australians.
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support for anyone affected by problem gambling in the UK. - GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK. - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Evidence-based information and resources for responsible gambling in Canada. - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
National helpline and resources for problem gambling.
If You Need Help
Seeking help for problem gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're struggling to control your gambling, or if someone you care about is, please reach out to one of the organisations above. They are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling and can provide confidential support.
You don't have to face this alone. Help is available now.