Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online gaming and pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. It's important to approach gaming with realistic expectations and to understand that the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming and pokies. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before engaging in any gaming activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gaming from family or friends
- Loss of control: Being unable to stop gambling or stick to a budget
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape: Gaming to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking loans or using credit to fund gaming activities
- Tolerance: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when unable to gamble
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming operators 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 maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Bet Limits: Control the maximum bet size per spin or game
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been gaming
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from gaming for a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gaming platforms for an extended period
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits.
Support Organizations & Help Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free online counselling, resources, and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call) - Gamblers Anonymous Australia – Peer support meetings across Australia
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – Self-exclusion scheme across UK-regulated operators
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Information and support resources
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – Helpline and referral services
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
www.bzga.de
Need Help?
If you think you may have a gambling problem, please reach out for help today. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right assistance.
Don't hesitate to contact one of the organizations listed above. They are staffed by caring professionals who understand gambling addiction and can provide confidential, non-judgmental support.
Your wellbeing is important. Help is available 24/7.