Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and gaming should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be enjoyable, it's important to understand that the odds always favour the house. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essential expenses such as rent, bills, food, or childcare.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online gaming in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not access gaming sites. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gaming activity, please seek support from the organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much time or money you spend gaming
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down on gaming
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, study, family, or relationships due to gaming
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control gaming behaviour
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Gambling with money meant for essential expenses
If you have identified with any of these warning signs, please reach out for help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Limits: Set time limits for your gaming sessions to help manage how long you play
- Reality Checks: Use reminders to check how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms if you feel you've lost control
Take advantage of these tools to stay in control of your gaming behaviour.
Support & Helpline Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential help:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online - Free counselling and support service for people concerned about their gambling or someone else's
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call from landlines and mobiles) - Lifeline Australia - 24/7 crisis support
Phone: 13 11 14 - Beyond Blue - Mental health support (anxiety, depression, stress)
Phone: 1300 224 636
United Kingdom
- GamCare - Free support for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop - National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council - Gambling prevention and treatment resources
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) - Helpline and treatment referrals
www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) - Federal Centre for Health Education
Telephone Counselling: 0800 1 372 374 (free, confidential)
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling affects people from all walks of life. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no shame in reaching out — counsellors are trained, experienced, and ready to support you confidentially.
If you are experiencing gambling problems, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au today.
Remember: You are not alone, and support is available whenever you need it.