Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online pokies and casino games should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment. They are games of chance with a house edge, meaning the odds always favour the house over time. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

Play responsibly and within your means. Set a budget before you play and stick to it.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming and pokies. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online.

If you are under the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, do not create an account or attempt to play. If you are aware of a minor gambling online, please report this to the relevant authorities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a developing gambling problem:

• Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding gambling: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling from family and friends
• Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritising gambling over work, study, family, or personal care
• Inability to stop: Struggling to cut down or control your gambling despite wanting to
• Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Borrowing money: Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
• Mood changes: Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or depression related to gambling
• Lying about gambling: Deceiving others about your involvement in gambling
• Relationship strain: Arguments with loved ones about gambling habits
• Financial problems: Experiencing money troubles due to gambling losses

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online gaming operators offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose before automatically stopping play
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming sites
• Time Limits: Set automatic session time limits to prevent extended play periods
• Account Restrictions: Request your account to be locked or restricted

Use these tools proactively to manage your gaming activity and maintain control over your spending and time.

Support Organisations

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call)
• Lifeline Australia – 24/7 crisis support and counselling
  Phone: 13 11 14

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free support and information for problem gambling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council – Information and resources for responsible gambling
  www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Helpline and resources for problem gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal centre for health education with problem gambling support
  www.bzga.de

If You Need Help

Don't wait — seek help today. Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect your mental health, relationships, finances, and overall wellbeing. Support is available, and it's never too late to reach out.

Contact one of the organisations listed above for confidential, non-judgmental support. Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services in your area immediately or call a crisis helpline.