Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and gaming should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or attending a sporting event. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Playing should only be done with money you can afford to lose, and you should always set strict limits before you begin.
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. It is illegal for anyone under this age to gamble. If you are under the legal age limit, please do not proceed.
Parents and guardians: Please be aware of what your children are doing online and use appropriate parental controls to prevent underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions (anxiety, depression, guilt)
- Chasing losses by returning another day to try to recover money lost
- Lying to family members, friends, or therapists about the extent of your gambling
- Jeopardising relationships, employment, education, or career opportunities due to gambling
- Relying on others to bail you out financially from gambling debts
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control. Make use of these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a set time period (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play.
- Time Limits: Set automatic session reminders or time-outs to limit how long you play.
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders that show you how much time and money you've spent.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming sites if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.
Always use these tools to maintain control of your gaming activity.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential support available 24/7
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Free gambling support
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Don't suffer in silence. Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available and recovery is possible. If you believe you have a gambling problem, or if someone you care about does, reach out to one of the support organisations listed above today. They offer free, confidential assistance and can connect you with professional resources.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.