Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies and casino games should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or playing sports. They should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
If you find yourself gambling to chase losses, spending more than planned, or gambling when you can't afford to, it may be time to seek help.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is only available to individuals aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for minors to gamble online or access pokies. If you are under 18, please do not proceed with any gambling activities.
Licensed operators are required to verify your age before allowing you to play. This is a crucial safeguard to protect young people from harm.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Gambling with larger amounts of money than you intended
- Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
- Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control gambling
If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features
Most licensed online casinos and pokie sites offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during your gaming session reminding you how long you've been playing
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling platforms
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period
We strongly encourage you to use these tools as part of your responsible gaming practice.
Support Organisations
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free, confidential counselling and support services for people affected by problem gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: Support groups and peer assistance across Australia
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free support and counselling for problem gamblers
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources and support for problem gambling in Canada
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Helpline and resources for problem gambling (1-800-522-4700)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Federal Centre for Health Education providing information and support on problem gambling
Need Help? Take Action Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support — many people experience gambling problems, and recovery is possible with the right assistance.
Contact Gambling Help Online today: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Remember: Your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Help is available, and you don't have to face this alone.