Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with unpredictable outcomes, and the odds always favour the house. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
If you choose to play, set a strict budget, treat any losses as the cost of entertainment, and stick to your limits.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities including pokies and casino games. It is illegal for operators to provide gambling services to anyone under the legal age limit.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. If you have concerns about a young person's gambling, contact the relevant support organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, seek help immediately:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses (gambling more to try to recover lost money)
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting family, friends, work, or study due to gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Risking or losing important relationships, jobs, or opportunities
- Experiencing physical symptoms (sleep problems, headaches, stomach issues)
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Responsible gaming operators offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a session or timeframe
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to remind you when you've been playing for a set period
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders showing your time played and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling services
- Account Restrictions: Reduce betting limits or disable certain features
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to support your safer gambling experience.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you are struggling with gambling, help is available. Contact one of these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential counselling and support
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call) - Lifeline Australia — 24/7 crisis support
Phone: 13 11 14 - Beyond Blue — Mental health support (often related to problem gambling)
Phone: 1300 224 636
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free counselling and support
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Helpline and referrals
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal Centre for Health Education
Website: www.bzga.de
Take Action Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help now. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organisations listed above offer confidential, non-judgmental assistance.
Remember: Gambling should enhance your entertainment, not compromise your wellbeing, finances, or relationships. Play responsibly, or choose not to play at all.