Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies and casino games should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Play for fun, play within your means, and always maintain control.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online gambling, including pokies and casino games. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online.
If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services. If you are aware of a minor gambling online, please report this to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you're unable to gamble
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, school, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gambling operators 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: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose during a session or time period
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during your gaming session to inform you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Limits: Set a maximum duration for each gambling session
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling services
- Account Pause: Take a break from gambling for a set period without closing your account
Use these tools proactively to protect yourself and maintain responsible gambling habits.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available and confidential:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counselling and support services for problem gambling in Australia
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support and counselling
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 — Mental health and wellbeing support
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free gambling counselling and support
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources and information for responsible gambling
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Support, resources, and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Information and counselling for problem gambling
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the support organizations listed above. Help is confidential, free, and available 24/7 in many cases.
You are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.