Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gambling as a way to earn income or solve financial problems.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in Australia. It is illegal for minors to participate in gambling activities. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling services. If you are aware of a minor gambling, please report it to the relevant authorities.
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 lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions
- Experiencing irritability or mood swings when unable to gamble
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Jeopardizing relationships, employment, or education because of gambling
- Continuing to gamble despite financial, personal, or emotional harm
Self-Help Tools & Limits
Most responsible gambling platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive automatic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out/Cool-Off: Take a temporary break from gambling for a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling services for a longer period (weeks, months, or years)
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organisations & Resources
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential support and counselling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Evidence-based resources and support
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – Treatment referrals and helpline
www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
Support for problem gambling and addiction
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling is a serious issue that affects mental health, finances, and relationships, but recovery is possible with proper support.
Contact one of the organisations listed above. They provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.