Responsible Gambling

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

At Online Pokies Australia, we believe that online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring our readers have access to the information and resources they need to gamble safely.

We only recommend pokies sites that provide robust responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, loss limits, session timers and self-exclusion options. Sites that fail to offer adequate player protection are not included in our rankings, regardless of their other qualities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, please read the information below and reach out to one of the free support services listed on this page. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. Recognising the warning signs early is critical. You or someone you know may have a gambling problem if:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
• Chasing losses by increasing bets to try to win back money
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or taking out loans to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, study, family or social responsibilities because of gambling
• Lying to family and friends about how much time or money you spend gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you are not gambling or try to stop
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, boredom, depression or other problems
• Repeatedly failing to control, cut back or stop gambling despite wanting to
• Gambling with money meant for essentials like rent, bills, food or medication
• Thinking about gambling constantly, including planning the next session or reliving past wins
• Experiencing relationship problems, arguments or breakdowns caused by gambling
• Feeling guilty, ashamed or depressed after gambling sessions

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it is important to seek help. Problem gambling is a recognised condition that responds well to treatment, and support is available at no cost.

Tips for Gambling Responsibly

Follow these practical guidelines to keep your pokies play safe and enjoyable:

1. Set a budget before you play — Decide how much you can afford to lose and never exceed that amount. Treat it as the cost of entertainment, like a movie ticket.
2. Set time limits — Decide in advance how long you will play and stick to it. Use session timer tools if the site offers them.
3. Use deposit limits — Most reputable pokies sites allow you to set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits. Set these before you start playing.
4. Never chase losses — If you lose your budgeted amount, stop. Trying to win it back almost always leads to bigger losses.
5. Do not gamble when emotional — Avoid playing pokies when you are stressed, angry, depressed, intoxicated or making emotional decisions.
6. Take regular breaks — Step away from the screen regularly. Continuous play can lead to poor decision-making.
7. Understand the odds — Pokies are games of chance. The house always has an edge. No strategy can guarantee wins.
8. Keep gambling separate from finances — Use a dedicated gambling budget that is completely separate from money needed for bills, rent, food and savings.
9. Do not borrow to gamble — Never use credit cards, loans or borrowed money for gambling.
10. Balance gambling with other activities — Ensure gambling is just one of many leisure activities in your life, not the primary one.

BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register

BetStop is Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register, launched in August 2023 by the Australian Government. It provides a simple, free way for Australians to exclude themselves from all licensed online wagering services.

How BetStop Works

• Register online at betstop.gov.au or by calling 1800 931 934
• Choose your exclusion period — 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or permanent (lifetime)
• All licensed operators are notified and must close your active accounts within the required timeframe
• New account applications are automatically checked against the register and rejected during your exclusion period
• Marketing cease — All direct marketing from licensed operators must stop

Important: BetStop covers licensed Australian wagering operators. It does not cover offshore gambling sites, land-based venues or lottery products. For land-based self-exclusion, contact your state or territory gambling regulator.

State and Territory Gambling Help Programmes

Each Australian state and territory offers dedicated gambling support services:

Help Services

The following organisations provide free, confidential support for gambling-related issues: