Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. While online poker can be enjoyable, it is important to remember that the odds are always in favour of the house over the long term. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun or starts causing stress, financial strain, or relationship problems, it may be time to seek help.
Age Verification
In Australia, the legal gambling age is 18 years or older, although some jurisdictions may require you to be 21 for certain venues or activities. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to gamble. We strongly encourage all players to verify their age and identity before participating in any online poker or gambling activity. Parents and guardians should use parental controls and monitor internet usage to prevent underage access.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually and may be difficult to recognise. Ask yourself if any of the following apply to you:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost by gambling more.
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues.
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling.
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or other essentials.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop.
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social commitments due to gambling.
- Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Repeatedly trying to stop but being unable to do so.
If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, please seek support – you are not alone.
Self-Help Tools
Many reputable online gambling platforms offer practical tools to help you stay in control. These may include:
- Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits – cap the amount you are willing to lose within a given period.
- Reality checks – receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
- Time-out periods – temporarily block access to your account for a set number of hours or days.
- Self-exclusion – voluntarily exclude yourself from a gambling site or venue for a longer period (e.g., months or years).
- Account closure – permanently close your account if you decide to stop completely.
Use these tools proactively, and consider setting personal limits before you start each session.
Support Organizations
If you need help, these organisations offer free, confidential advice and support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au | 24/7 Helpline: 1800 858 858
United Kingdom
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed sites)
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org | Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de (provides information and help for gambling addiction)
For other countries, please consult your local responsible gambling authority or national helpline. A quick online search for “problem gambling help [your country]” will direct you to trusted services.
Call to Action
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help today. You are not alone, and support is available free of charge. In Australia, contact Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.