Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment when kept in check. However, it can become harmful for some people. This page provides resources and guidance to help you gamble responsibly.
Play Responsibly — Key Principles
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a budget before you start and stick to it.
- Never chase losses — accept them as the cost of entertainment.
- Take regular breaks and avoid gambling when tired or upset.
- Balance gambling with other leisure activities.
- Never borrow money to gamble.
- Keep track of time spent gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
You may have a gambling problem if you:
- Spend more money or time gambling than you intended.
- Try to win back money you have lost (chasing losses).
- Feel anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling.
- Hide your gambling from friends and family.
- Neglect work, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling.
- Borrow money or sell possessions to fund gambling.
- Think about gambling constantly, even when doing other things.
Free Support Resources (Australia)
| Organisation | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 | 24/7 |
| Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14 | 24/7 |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | 24/7 |
| BeGambleAware | begambleaware.org | Online |
| Gambling Therapy | gamblingtherapy.org | Online |
Self-Exclusion Tools
Most reputable online casinos, including ThePokies, offer self-exclusion options. You can typically find these in your account settings under "Responsible Gambling" or "Account Limits". Options may include:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Session time limits
- Cooling-off periods
- Self-exclusion (temporary or permanent)
If you need to self-exclude from multiple venues, contact Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858 for assistance with multi-venue self-exclusion.
18+ Only
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If you are concerned about a young person gambling, contact the Gambling Help Hotline on 1800 858 858.