Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies and casino games should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or purchasing a hobby. They are games of chance with built-in house advantages. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never consider gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
Gambling outcomes are determined by random number generators and luck alone. No strategy, system, or prediction can guarantee wins.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your state or territory) to participate in online pokies and casino gaming in Australia.
It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before accessing any gambling services. If you are under the legal age, please do not gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount you gamble
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Betting larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Control Features
Most responsible online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders at regular intervals during your gaming session about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically end your gaming session after a predetermined period
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing gambling services for a set period (days, weeks, months, or years)
- Account Pause/Cool-Off: Take a break from gambling for a short period without permanently closing your account
Use these tools proactively to manage your gambling behaviour and stay in control.
Support and Counselling Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help and support are available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online - Free counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call, 24 hours, 7 days a week) - Lifeline Australia - Crisis support and counselling
Phone: 13 11 14 (available 24 hours)
International Services
- GamCare (United Kingdom) - Support for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) - National gambling self-exclusion scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please reach out for help today. Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect your mental health, relationships, and financial wellbeing, but support and recovery are possible.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 for confidential, free counselling and support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone.