Responsible Gambling
This page outlines the risks associated with online pokies and the practical steps that can help keep play within planned boundaries. If gambling has already become a problem, the support services listed below provide an appropriate next step.
For games, banking and bonus details, return to our overview of The Pokies Net and online pokies Australia.
Why Online Pokies Carry Particular Risks
Online pokies remove many of the natural limits of land-based play: there is no travel time, no venue closing time and deposits can be made quickly.
These conveniences can make it easier to play more often or for longer than intended.
Online casino games generally use random number generators. Fairness does not remove the house edge. Features such as near-misses and bonus progress may increase engagement but do not change the underlying probabilities.
Chasing losses can turn entertainment into a source of harm. Setting boundaries before playing is therefore important.
Setting Controls Before the Session
Controls decided before play begins can make it easier to stay within a planned budget and timeframe.
Recommended steps include:
- Set a deposit limit for a daily, weekly or monthly period.
- Decide a maximum loss for the session and stop when it is reached.
- Enable any available session-time reminder.
- Treat promotions as optional rather than as reasons to extend a session.
- Avoid using money needed for essential expenses.
Account Tools
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps deposits over a chosen period |
| Session reminder | Notifies the player after a set duration |
| Cooling-off / time-out | Temporarily blocks access |
| Self-exclusion | Closes or restricts the account for a chosen period or permanently |
Availability varies by platform. Where these tools are offered, using them before problems develop can help establish clear limits.
BetStop and National Resources
BetStop is Australia's national self-exclusion register. Registration can block access across participating gambling operators.
For broader coverage, users can also make individual self-exclusion requests with platforms they use.
| Service | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 / gamblinghelponline.org.au | Free 24/7 counselling, chat and referral |
| BetStop | betstop.com.au | National multi-operator self-exclusion |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Crisis support |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | Anxiety and depression support |
| MensLine Australia | 1300 78 99 78 | Support for men |
These services are independent of any casino or pokies platform.
Early Warning Signs
Play is more likely to remain recreational when the money spent is affordable and the decision to play remains optional.
Potential warning signs include:
- depositing money intended for essential expenses;
- returning specifically to recover a previous loss;
- hiding the amount or frequency of gambling;
- finding it difficult to stop at a pre-set limit;
- using gambling mainly to manage stress or boredom;
- borrowing money to fund gambling sessions.
If several of these signs apply, consider contacting one of the support services listed above.
Players Under 18
Online gambling services are restricted to adults 18 and over. Age verification forms part of the standard account process on many platforms.
Parents and guardians can also consider device-level blocking tools where appropriate, particularly on shared devices.
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