Responsible Gaming

Entertainment, Not Income

Pokie gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. It is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds always favour the house, and losses should always be expected as part of the entertainment cost, just like going to the movies or a sporting event.

Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to access pokie gaming services in Australia. If you are under the legal age, please do not participate in gambling activities. It is illegal and harmful to your development.

Parents and guardians: If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, please speak with them and contact the support services listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs in yourself or others:

• Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Increasing stakes: Needing to bet more money to get the same excitement
• Hiding gambling: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Relationship problems: Gambling causing arguments with family or friends
• Financial strain: Borrowing money, using credit, or facing debt due to gambling
• Mood changes: Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
• Loss of control: Unable to stick to pre-set limits or stop when you intended to
• Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
• Escape through gambling: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or other problems

If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features

Many pokie platforms and venues offer tools to help you gamble responsibly. Take advantage of these features:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you must stop
• Time Limits: Set automatic session timers to remind you how long you've been playing
• Reality Checks: Regular pop-up reminders during play sessions showing your balance and time spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling services to take a break or quit entirely
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you decide to stop

Speak with your pokie venue or online platform about activating these tools today.

Support & Counselling Services for Australia

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Australia has excellent, free, confidential support services:

Primary Australian Support

• Gambling Help Online
  Free counselling, self-assessment tools, and resources for problem gambling in Australia.
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7 helpline)
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

Additional Support Services

• Lifeline Australia
  Crisis support and counselling for any personal crisis.
  Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Beyond Blue
  Mental health support including gambling-related distress.
  Phone: 1300 224 636 (24/7)
• GamCare
  UK-based support with international resources and self-help tools.
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk

All services are confidential, free, and non-judgmental. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If You Need Help

If gambling is causing problems in your life—financially, emotionally, or socially—please reach out today. Whether it's affecting you directly or someone you care about, professional support is available immediately and at no cost.

Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au right now.

You don't have to face this alone. Help is just a phone call away.