Responsible Gaming
Play for Entertainment, Not Income
Pokies and online gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and remember that gambling is not a reliable way to earn money. The odds always favour the house, and losses are a normal part of the experience.
Set a budget you're comfortable with and stick to it. Think of any money you spend on gaming as the cost of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or a restaurant.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your state) to participate in gambling activities in Australia. If you are under the legal age, please do not gamble.
Operators should verify your age before allowing access to gaming platforms. If you're unsure about your local laws, check your state or territory's gaming regulations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these warning signs, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling habits or lying about how much you gamble
- Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, food, or other essentials
- Spending more time and money on gambling than you intended
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Neglecting family, work, study, or other responsibilities
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most licensed operators 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 during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders during play about how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to help manage your gaming time
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a platform or across multiple operators
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you need to stop
Use these tools proactively. They're designed to empower you to gamble responsibly.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling
United Kingdom
- GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support and counselling for problem gamblers - GamStop
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Resources and support for problem gambling
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Free and confidential support
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Information and support resources for problem gambling
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you believe you have a problem with gambling, or if someone you care about does, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above.
These services are:
- Free and confidential
- Available 24/7 (many services)
- Staffed by trained professionals
- Non-judgmental and supportive
Remember: problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. Don't suffer in silence—contact a support service today.