Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should only ever 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. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble more than you can comfortably spend on other forms of entertainment.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is only available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, you must not participate in any gambling activities. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all legal requirements before playing.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly and affect your health, relationships, and finances. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to try to win back money you have lost
- Hiding gambling activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family or friends
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Loss of control: Being unable to stick to set limits or stop when you intended to
- Neglecting responsibilities: Gambling instead of attending to work, study, or family obligations
- Financial problems: Borrowing money or using savings to gamble; inability to pay bills
- Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most licensed online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders during play about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Session Limits: Automatically close your gaming session after a set period of time
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing gambling platforms for a set period (days, months, or years)
- Account Cooling-Off: Request a temporary pause on your account to step back and reassess
Use these tools proactively to manage your gaming responsibly.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know needs help, free and confidential support is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Free counselling, self-assessment tools, and 24/7 support for problem gambling
- Gambler's Help (Victoria): 1800 858 858 – Free telephone counselling service
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 – Crisis support and counselling
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org
All support is confidential, non-judgmental, and free of charge.
If You Need Help, Seek It Now
Problem gambling can affect anyone, and recovery is possible. If you are struggling with your gaming habits, or if someone you care about is, please reach out for support today. There is no shame in asking for help—trained counsellors are ready to assist you confidentially.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (Australia) or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au to speak with a counsellor now.