Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Remember that all games are games of chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble more than you can comfortably spend on other forms of entertainment.
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 games in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under this age to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not proceed.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Neglecting family, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or control gambling
- Gambling with increasing amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
- Experiencing relationship conflicts because of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Control Options
Most reputable online gaming providers offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic timeouts after a predetermined gaming period
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator's site for a period you choose
Take advantage of these features to maintain healthy gambling habits. Speak with your gaming provider's customer support team if you need help setting up any of these controls.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available:
Australia (Primary Resource)
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Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia. Phone: 1800 858 858
International Resources
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GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support for anyone affected by problem gambling -
GamStop (United Kingdom)
www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling -
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org
Evidence-based resources and support for problem gambling -
National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
Help and resources for problem gambling; National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
All support services listed are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If You Need Help
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you're concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you care about, please don't hesitate to contact one of the support organizations listed above. Help is available, and speaking to a counsellor is completely confidential.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au today.