Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies and casino games are designed for entertainment purposes only. They should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble with money you can afford to lose, and remember that the house always has a mathematical advantage in the long term.
Enjoy gaming responsibly as part of a balanced lifestyle, but never rely on it as income.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including online pokies and casino games. It is illegal for anyone under this age to gamble.
If you are under 18, please do not access gambling sites. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls and discuss the risks of gambling with young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses — continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity — being secretive about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essentials — using money for bills, rent, or groceries to gamble
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships — gambling interfering with your responsibilities or social life
- Borrowing money to gamble — taking loans or using credit to fund gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut down — feeling unable to control your gambling
- Gambling to escape problems — using gaming as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Increased tolerance — needing to gamble larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Mood changes — feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when not gambling
- Lying to others — being dishonest about your gambling habits or losses
Self-Help Tools & Player Protections
Most online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in 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're willing to lose over a period
- Reality Checks — Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits — Automatically log out after a set period of play
- Self-Exclusion — Temporarily or permanently block your account from accessing gambling services
- Account Breaks — Take a break from gambling for a set period
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming activity.
Support & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free counselling, self-assessment tools, and support for problem gambling across Australia
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, confidential) - Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support groups for people affected by problem gambling
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
International Support
- United Kingdom — GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom — GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada — Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States — National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
If You Need Help
Don't wait. Seek help today. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is confidential and free.
Whether you're experiencing difficulty controlling your gambling or are concerned about someone else, reaching out to a counsellor or support organisation is the first step towards recovery.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (24/7) or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au for immediate support.