Responsible Gaming

What responsible gambling means

Responsible gambling means making informed decisions about whether, when and how you gamble. It involves understanding that casino games are games of chance, accepting that losses are possible, and keeping gambling within limits that are affordable for you. There is no guaranteed method, system or strategy that can ensure a win. Previous results do not determine future results, and a winning session does not mean that another win is due.

Gambling should be one form of entertainment among many, rather than a central part of your daily routine. Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose after essential living costs, bills, savings and other commitments have been considered. Never use money intended for rent, mortgage payments, food, education, medical expenses or household needs. Do not borrow money, sell possessions or use credit to continue gambling.

Before you play

• Decide how much money and time you can spend before starting.
• Treat your chosen amount as an entertainment expense, not an investment.
• Make sure you understand the game rules, stakes and any relevant account conditions.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, stressed, intoxicated or trying to recover from a difficult event.
• Keep gambling separate from important financial decisions and household funds.
• Remember that taking a break or choosing not to gamble is always an appropriate option.

For players in Australia, gambling availability and legal requirements can vary according to location. You are responsible for checking that you are legally permitted to use an online gambling service where you are located and for complying with applicable laws. You must be at least 18 years of age to gamble. Parents, guardians and account holders should take reasonable steps to prevent children and other unauthorised people from accessing gambling accounts or devices.

Set limits and keep control

Personal limits can help make gambling more predictable and reduce the risk of spending more than intended. Before you begin, consider setting a budget for a day, week or other period that suits your circumstances. You may also wish to set a time limit for each session. Once a limit has been reached, stop gambling rather than increasing it during the same session.

Account tools and controls may be available to help you manage play. Depending on the service and your location, these may include deposit limits, spending limits, session reminders, activity information, temporary breaks or self-exclusion. The availability, operation and effect of a control can vary. Read the information shown when selecting a tool and choose limits carefully.

Practical ways to manage your play

1. Set a budget before opening a game and do not add funds simply because you have lost.
2. Use a separate gambling budget so that everyday expenses remain protected.
3. Decide in advance when your session will end and leave when that time arrives.
4. Take regular breaks away from the screen and avoid long, uninterrupted sessions.
5. Review your gambling activity from time to time so you can see how often you play and how much you spend.
6. Do not chase losses. A loss is not a reason to increase stakes or continue playing.
7. Avoid gambling while using alcohol or other substances that may affect judgement.
8. Tell a trusted person about your limits if you would benefit from additional accountability.
9. Consider removing saved payment details or using device and banking controls to create extra separation from gambling.
10. If gambling stops feeling enjoyable, take a break and seek support rather than trying to win back money.

A limit is most useful when it is realistic, decided in advance and respected. If a control no longer reflects your financial position or wellbeing, stop and review the situation rather than raising it impulsively. Requests to change or remove controls may be subject to applicable rules, safer-gambling procedures and any required waiting or review process. Controls cannot guarantee that gambling will be risk-free, so personal awareness remains important.

Recognising when gambling may be a concern

Gambling-related harm can develop gradually, and it can affect people in different ways. You do not need to wait until a serious problem occurs before asking for help. Consider your behaviour honestly and pay attention to changes in your mood, finances, relationships, work, study or daily routines.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Increasing your stakes because smaller amounts no longer feel exciting.
• Trying to win back money after a loss or feeling unable to stop after a win.
• Gambling with money needed for bills, food, rent, savings or other essentials.
• Borrowing money, using credit or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account information from people close to you.
• Feeling restless, irritable, anxious or unhappy when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• Thinking about gambling frequently or finding it difficult to focus on other activities.
• Missing work, study, family responsibilities or social commitments because of gambling.
• Using gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness, boredom or other difficult feelings.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop or repeatedly breaking your own limits.
• Experiencing relationship conflict, financial pressure or emotional distress connected with gambling.

If any of these signs apply to you, pause your gambling and take the concern seriously. You can request a break or self-exclusion, use available account controls, and speak with someone you trust. A qualified counsellor, health professional or financial counsellor can help you understand what is happening and work through practical next steps. Seeking support is a positive decision and does not require you to manage the situation alone.

If you are supporting a friend or family member, approach the conversation calmly and without blame. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage professional support. Do not provide money to cover gambling losses or help conceal gambling-related debt. Where there are immediate concerns about safety, severe distress or self-harm, seek urgent assistance from local emergency services or an appropriate crisis service.

Breaks, self-exclusion and account safety

A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling to reassess your habits, finances or wellbeing. Self-exclusion is a stronger measure for people who want to prevent themselves from gambling for a specified period or, where available, for longer. If you believe you may be at risk of harm, consider using self-exclusion rather than relying only on willpower.

To ask about a break, self-exclusion or other responsible-gambling control, use the account support options made available by The Pokies Net Casino. You may be asked to confirm your identity and provide information needed to apply the request. Read the terms of the selected control carefully, including when it starts, what services it covers and whether it can be changed during the selected period.

Do not open another account or use another person's account to avoid a break or self-exclusion. Do not allow another person to use your account. Keep your login information private, use a strong password and sign out from shared devices. If you believe another person has accessed your account, or if your details may have been compromised, stop using the account and report the concern through the available support channel.

Help and further information

Support is available from gambling-help services operating in Australia, including services relevant to your state or territory. You can also speak with a general practitioner, mental health professional, financial counsellor or trusted support person. These services can provide confidential information, practical assistance and referral options. If you are unsure where to begin, a health professional or local community service can help identify an appropriate source of support.

The Pokies Net Casino provides responsible-gaming information to support informed choices, but no website, tool or policy can remove every risk associated with gambling. The safest choice for anyone who cannot gamble within affordable and enjoyable limits is not to gamble. If gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, work, health or sense of control, stop playing and seek help as soon as possible.