Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, 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 state or territory) to participate in online gaming. If you are under the legal age, please do not use pokies or casino services. Parents and guardians: please monitor your children's online activity and use parental controls where available.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or cope with negative emotions
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Risking important relationships or opportunities because of gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools
Most responsible online gaming operators offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or cut-offs for your gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up notifications during play to remind you of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms, preventing access for a set period
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming activity.
Support Organisations in Australia
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please contact one of these organisations:
Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
The primary counselling and support service for problem gambling in Australia, offering free confidential support to people affected by gambling problems.
Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7, free, confidential)
Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Provides crisis support and suicide prevention services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7, free, confidential)
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
Provides mental health support and counselling services that can help with gambling-related issues and associated mental health concerns.
Gamblers Anonymous
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
A peer support fellowship programme offering free meetings and support for people wanting to stop gambling.
International Support Services
Additional resources are available through international organisations:
- GamCare (UK) – Support and information for problem gambling
- GamStop (UK) – National self-exclusion scheme
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is a serious issue that can have significant impacts on your mental health, finances, and relationships. You are not alone, and help is available.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing problems with gambling, please contact Gambling Help Online or one of the organisations listed above. All calls and conversations are confidential and free of charge.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support services are here to help you regain control.