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. The odds are always in favour of the house, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your Australian state or territory) to access and use pokies and online gaming services. It is illegal for minors to gamble. If you are underage, please do not attempt to access these services.

Parents and guardians: Monitor your children's online activity and discuss the risks of gambling with them.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
• Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or experiencing financial difficulties caused by gambling
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to reduce gambling
• Jeopardising relationships, education, or career opportunities

Self-Help Tools

Most responsible online gaming operators provide tools to help you manage your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit into your account within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Loss Limits: Set a limit on the total amount you are willing to lose over a given period.
• Reality Checks: Enable notifications at regular intervals during your gaming session to remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Time-Out / Cooling Off Period: Temporarily suspend your account for a period you choose (ranging from hours to weeks) to take a break from gambling.
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing your account for a set period (typically from 6 months up to 5 years), during which you cannot gamble.

Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activities.

Support Organisations in Australia

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Provides free counselling and support services for problem gambling.
• Gambler's Help
  Helpline: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call)
  Counselling and support available across Australia.
• National Gambling Helpline
  1800 858 858
  Free, confidential support and referral services.

International Support

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling.
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org

If You Need Help

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you believe you have a gambling problem or are concerned about your gambling habits, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They provide free, confidential assistance and can help you develop strategies to manage or stop gambling.

Remember: You are not alone, and recovery is possible.