Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling within your limits

Responsible gambling starts with making informed choices before you begin. Set a clear budget for your gambling activity and view that amount as a cost of entertainment. Once your budget has been used, stop playing rather than adding more funds. Do not use money intended for rent, mortgage payments, household bills, food, education, savings or other important expenses.

It can also help to decide how much time you will spend playing. Gambling for longer than planned can make it harder to maintain perspective, particularly when you are tired, upset or distracted. Take regular breaks, leave the game when your planned session ends and avoid playing continuously in an attempt to change the result.

• Set a spending limit before you play and stick to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for everyday living.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Do not borrow money, use credit intended for other purposes or sell personal items to gamble.
• Avoid gambling when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Remember that every game is based on chance and previous results do not predict future results.
• Treat wins as part of the entertainment experience, not as income.
• Do not rely on gambling to improve your financial position or resolve money problems.
• Stop playing if you feel distressed, pressured or unable to make calm decisions.

A budget should be realistic and should not be changed during an emotional or intense session. If you find that a limit is difficult to follow, stop playing and consider using stronger account controls or taking a break. Keeping a simple record of deposits, withdrawals, playing time and results may help you understand your activity more clearly.

Gambling is not a way to recover losses

Losses are part of gambling, and continuing to play does not guarantee that they will be recovered. Trying to win back money can lead to larger bets, longer sessions and further losses. If you notice that you are playing because you feel you must recover money, close the game, step away and seek support before making another gambling decision.

Recognising possible signs of gambling harm

Gambling can become harmful when it starts to affect your finances, relationships, work, study, health or general wellbeing. Harm does not depend only on the amount of money spent. It can also involve the amount of time spent gambling, the stress caused by gambling or the way gambling influences decisions and behaviour.

Consider taking action if any of the following situations sound familiar. One sign may be enough reason to pause and seek support; you do not need to wait for a serious problem before asking for help.

• You spend more money or time gambling than you planned.
• You regularly think about gambling, the next session or recovering losses.
• You try to hide your gambling activity, spending or account history from people close to you.
• You feel restless, irritable, anxious or low when you are not gambling.
• You gamble to escape stress, loneliness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• You return to gambling to win back money that has already been lost.
• You miss work, study, sleep, social activities or responsibilities because of gambling.
• You borrow money, use essential funds or experience financial pressure because of gambling.
• Gambling causes arguments, loss of trust or other problems in your relationships.
• You have tried to cut back or stop but have found it difficult to do so.
• You keep gambling despite negative effects on your health, finances or personal life.
• You feel that gambling is becoming a secret or a source of shame.

If gambling is becoming difficult to control, take a break now rather than trying to manage the situation through further play. Speak honestly with someone you trust and consider contacting an independent gambling support service in Australia. A qualified counsellor can help you understand what is happening and discuss practical next steps without judgement.

If you are supporting someone else, avoid lending money for gambling or covering up the consequences of their gambling. You can offer encouragement and help them find suitable support, while also setting boundaries that protect your own financial and emotional wellbeing.

Tools and steps to help you stay in control

The Pokies Casino may provide account features designed to support responsible play. Depending on the feature available to you, these may include spending limits, deposit controls, session reminders, activity information, cooling-off periods or temporary account restrictions. These tools are intended to help you make deliberate decisions before or during play.

Read the instructions for any control carefully and choose settings that match your budget and circumstances. Some changes may take effect immediately, while others may apply after a specified period. A limit is not a guarantee that you will stop gambling completely, so it is important to combine account controls with a personal plan and regular self-checks.

1. Decide whether gambling fits within your current budget and personal circumstances.
2. Set a maximum amount and maximum playing time before opening a game.
3. Use available account tools to place limits or request a break.
4. Keep records of your gambling activity so you can review time and spending objectively.
5. Stop immediately if you reach a limit, feel distressed or notice that you are chasing losses.
6. Talk with a trusted person or an independent support service if you are finding it hard to stop.

If you want to stop gambling for a longer period, request account closure or self-exclusion through the available account support process. Self-exclusion is a serious commitment to stop accessing gambling services for the selected period. Do not open another account or use another person's account during a break. If you have excluded yourself, use the relevant support channel if you need help understanding the process or available options.

Protect your account and personal choices

Keep your login details private and do not allow another person to gamble through your account. If someone else has access to your device or payment method, use appropriate security settings and check your activity regularly. Gambling should always be your own choice and should never be pressured, hidden or carried out on behalf of someone else.

If you believe another person is using your account or you notice activity you do not recognise, stop using the account and follow the available account security process. Protecting your account can help prevent unauthorised activity and supports clear, accurate records of your gambling.

Support for players and people close to them

You can ask for help at any stage, whether you are worried about your own gambling or supporting a family member, friend or colleague. Starting a conversation can feel difficult, but a calm and honest discussion may help identify concerns early. Focus on specific behaviours and their effects rather than blame. For example, you may discuss missed commitments, financial stress or changes in mood.

Independent gambling support services in Australia can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance. You may also wish to speak with a general practitioner or another qualified health professional, especially if gambling is affecting your sleep, mood, relationships or financial wellbeing. Support is available even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a serious problem.

• Ask for help early; you do not need to wait until debts or other serious problems develop.
• Be honest about how often you gamble, how much you spend and how you feel about it.
• Consider asking a trusted person to help you manage access to money or gambling accounts.
• Keep important bills and essential funds separate from gambling funds.
• Use a break, account restriction or self-exclusion if you are not able to maintain control.
• Avoid trying to manage gambling concerns by gambling more.
• Keep appointments, financial records and support conversations organised where possible.
• Remember that recovery can take time, and seeking support is a practical and responsible step.

If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in your area. Your immediate safety is more important than any gambling account, balance or loss. Do not remain alone with an urgent safety concern if immediate assistance is available.

Responsible gaming is an ongoing process. Review your spending, time and feelings regularly, use the controls available to you and take action whenever gambling no longer feels enjoyable or manageable. The Pokies Casino encourages players to make informed choices and seek independent support whenever it is needed.