Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun, it's important to remember that the house always has an edge, and losing is always possible. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to gamble legally. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online pokies or other gambling activities. If you are not yet 18, please do not use gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills)
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Neglecting family, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit per day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you're willing to lose in a given period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the amount you can wager on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders to check how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling platforms for an extended period
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling habits.
Support & Help Organizations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organizations offering free, confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call)
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free support and information for problem gamblers
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Prevention, education, and treatment resources
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – Help and referrals to treatment
www.ncpgambling.org
National Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
Don't suffer in silence. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the organizations listed above. These services are free, confidential, and staffed by professionals who understand problem gambling.
Your wellbeing is important. Seek help today.