Responsible Gambling

Casinos and pokies scored on the same rules, with payout times in hours.

Gambling should be paid entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. If it stops feeling that way, free and confidential help is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.

Free Help, Any Time

Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential counselling by phone and online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Support is also available for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling.

BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It lets you exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers in one step, for a period you choose. Details are at betstop.gov.au. BetStop covers licensed Australian providers; it does not reach offshore casino sites, so if you use those, also use their own exclusion tools and blocking software.

Warning Signs

Problem gambling rarely starts suddenly. These signs suggest it may be time to stop and talk to someone:

Spending more money or time than you planned, more often than not.
Chasing losses with bigger bets or extra deposits.
Cancelling withdrawals to keep playing.
Borrowing money, using bill money or selling things to gamble.
Hiding gambling from family or friends.
Feeling anxious, irritable or low when not gambling.
Gambling to escape stress, boredom or problems.

One sign does not mean you have a problem, but several together are worth taking seriously. A conversation with a counsellor is free and does not commit you to anything.

Tools That Help You Stay in Control

Deposit limits

Set daily, weekly or monthly limits in the casino cashier before your first deposit. Lowering a limit usually takes effect at once; raising it often has a waiting period.

Time limits and reminders

Session reminders and time limits help you notice how long you have been playing.

Cooling-off and self-exclusion

Short breaks or longer exclusions block access to your account for a set period.

Bank and software blocks

Many Australian banks can block gambling transactions on a card, and blocking software can stop access to gambling sites on your devices.

Not every casino offers every tool. One review source reports that Goldex does not offer self-set deposit limits, for example. If a casino lacks the tools you need, bank-level blocks and software work regardless of the site.

Habits for Safer Play

Set a budget before you start and treat it as the cost of entertainment.
Decide on a stop point for both losses and wins.
Withdraw wins rather than playing them back.
Take regular breaks and avoid playing when tired, upset or after drinking.
Never gamble with borrowed money or money needed for bills.

If You Are Worried About Someone Else

Gambling harm affects partners, children, parents and friends as well as the person gambling. Signs can include unexplained money problems, missing household funds, secrecy about phone or computer use and changes in mood. Talk calmly, focus on specific behaviour rather than blame, and avoid covering debts, which can delay change. Gambling Help Online supports family members and friends directly on the same number, 1800 858 858, and can help you look after your own wellbeing while you support someone else.

The Legal Background

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 makes it an offence to provide online casino services, including online pokies, to people in Australia, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority enforces it, including by asking internet providers to block offshore sites. Licensed online and phone sports and racing wagering is permitted under separate rules. Offshore casinos are not covered by Australian consumer protection, which is one more reason to use limits and to seek help early.

Our Commitment

Every page on Verified Pokies carries responsible gambling information. We do not target people under 18, we do not describe gambling as a way to make money, and our guidance on limits and breaks follows published academic research. You can read more about our approach on the home page.