Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Playing should always be done with money you can afford to lose, and with realistic expectations about the odds.
Remember: the house always has a mathematical advantage. If you find yourself relying on gambling to pay bills or debts, it's time to seek help.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction) to access and use online pokie services in Australia.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. Underage gambling can lead to serious harm and is illegal.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:
- Chasing losses: Trying to recover money lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from family or friends
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Loss of control: Unable to stick to set limits on time or money spent
- Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritising gambling over work, study, or family obligations
- Gambling to escape: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable online pokie providers offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a set period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logouts after a specified period of play
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling services
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set timeframe
Use these tools proactively—they're designed to protect your wellbeing.
Support & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available. Please reach out to these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free, confidential counselling and support service
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 — Support for depression and anxiety related to gambling
International Resources
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
All services are confidential and free to access.
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. There is no shame in seeking help—support services exist specifically to assist you.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Gambling Help Online today or call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
Your wellbeing is more important than any bet.