Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun, it's important to understand that the odds always favour the house. Play responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online gaming in Australia. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or play on any gaming platform.
Age verification may be required at any time during account creation or gameplay.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, groceries)
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing financial, legal, or relationship problems caused by gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online gaming platforms 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're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Limits: Set time restrictions for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
- Account Closure: Request to close your gaming account
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know needs help, the following organizations provide free, confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free counselling and support service
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call) - Gamblers Anonymous Australia – Peer support groups
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – Self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7, free, confidential)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available. If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the support organizations listed above. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don't have to face this alone.