Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Pokies and online gaming should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or catching a sports event. It should never be considered a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the venue, and losses should be expected as part of the entertainment cost.
Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never use gambling as a solution to financial difficulties.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including pokies and online gaming. It is illegal for minors to gamble.
If you are under 18, we urge you not to use any gambling services. If you are concerned about a young person's gambling, please contact the appropriate support services listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or your partner
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or sleep problems related to gambling stress
If you've ticked any of these boxes, help is available and seeking support is a sign of strength.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable gaming venues and online platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specified time period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're prepared to lose
- Spending Time Limits: Set a time limit for each gaming session
- Reality Checks: Regular reminders during play to help you stay aware of how long and how much you've been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming venues or online platforms
- Account Freezing: Pause your account for a set period
Take advantage of these tools. Using them is a proactive way to protect yourself and maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available and completely confidential. Here are organisations you can contact:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (available 24/7) - Gamblers Anonymous Australia – Support groups and peer assistance
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Resources and support for problem gambling
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – Helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
Helpline: 0800 1 372 374 (free and confidential)
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or financial situation. Seeking help is not a weakness—it's a brave and important decision.
Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or worried about someone else, professional support is available, entirely confidential, and free in most cases. Please don't hesitate to contact one of the organisations above.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is just a phone call or click away.