Responsible Gaming

Gamble responsibly

Gambling involves financial risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Game outcomes are determined by chance, the rules of the game or both, and previous results do not predict future results. A win does not mean that another win is more likely, while a loss cannot be recovered simply by continuing to play. Understanding this before you start can help you make decisions based on entertainment rather than expectation.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential expenses and other financial commitments have been covered. Gambling should never take priority over rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education, savings or family responsibilities. Do not borrow money, use credit intended for necessary expenses or sell possessions to fund gambling. If a gambling session is causing financial pressure, stop playing and seek independent support.

Set a personal budget before you play and treat that amount as the cost of entertainment. Decide how much time you are comfortable spending as well as how much money you are prepared to use. Once your budget or time limit has been reached, finish the session. Avoid changing your limits while playing, particularly after a win or loss, as decisions can become less considered when emotions are involved.

Practical habits that can help

• Set a spending limit before each session and keep to it.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling money separate from essential household money.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, tired or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Do not assume that a near miss, a losing streak or a previous win changes the odds.
• Keep track of deposits, withdrawals and time spent playing.
• Discuss concerns with someone you trust before they become difficult to manage.
• Do not gamble to escape personal problems, low mood or financial worries.
• Stop playing when gambling is no longer enjoyable or feels difficult to control.

A responsible approach also means understanding that gambling outcomes are independent. A game does not owe you a win, and a particular result cannot be forced by playing more often. Take time to read the relevant game information and rules, and make sure you understand the financial consequences before participating.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can develop gradually. It may begin as occasional play and become more frequent, more expensive or more difficult to control. Some people experience warning signs without immediately recognising them as a problem. Paying attention to changes in your behaviour, mood, finances and relationships can help you take action early.

You may wish to pause and review your gambling if you are spending more time or money than planned, thinking about gambling throughout the day or feeling restless when you try to stop. It can also be a concern if you regularly return to win back money you have lost, increase your stakes to achieve the same excitement or hide your gambling from family, friends or colleagues.

Possible warning signs

• Gambling with money set aside for bills, food or other important needs.
• Borrowing money, using credit or asking others for financial help because of gambling.
• Trying to recover losses by gambling again, often with larger amounts.
• Spending more time gambling than intended or missing work, study or social commitments.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty or low because of gambling.
• Keeping gambling secret or giving misleading information about how much you play or spend.
• Arguing with family or friends about gambling or withdrawing from usual activities.
• Neglecting sleep, health, responsibilities or personal relationships.
• Selling belongings or taking other financial steps to continue gambling.
• Trying to stop or cut down but being unable to maintain the change.
• Feeling that a win would solve financial problems or improve your mood.
• Continuing to gamble despite knowing that it is causing harm.

If any of these signs feel familiar, you do not need to wait for the situation to become severe before asking for help. Taking a break, restricting access and speaking with an independent gambling support service can make it easier to regain control. A trusted friend, family member, health professional or financial counsellor may also be able to provide practical and emotional support.

It may be useful to keep a simple record of how often you gamble, how long sessions last and how much money you deposit or lose. Reviewing this information can provide a more accurate picture than relying on memory, particularly when gambling takes place frequently or across different devices.

Tools to help you stay in control

Responsible gambling tools are intended to help you manage your play. Depending on the features available to your account and the rules that apply, you may be able to set deposit, spending or session limits, take a temporary break or request self-exclusion. These options are most effective when selected before you begin gambling and used alongside a realistic personal budget.

Setting limits

A limit can help prevent impulsive decisions and make your gambling more predictable. Consider the amount you can comfortably lose over a chosen period and set a limit below that amount if possible. You can also decide how long a session should last and how often you will play. If your circumstances change, review your limits carefully rather than increasing them in response to losses or financial pressure.

Limits should be treated as a firm boundary, not as a target to reach. Avoid setting a limit based on the amount you hope to win. Gambling budgets should be based on disposable income and should not include money required for everyday living, debt repayments or future needs. If you find it difficult to set or maintain a limit, consider stopping and seeking support.

Taking a break

A temporary break can be useful if gambling is becoming a distraction or you want time to review your habits. During a break, avoid looking for alternative gambling websites or accounts. Remove gambling applications and promotional notifications where appropriate, and consider using device or banking controls that help you avoid impulsive access. Use the time to focus on work, study, relationships, exercise or other activities that support your wellbeing.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a specified period or longer. If you decide that self-exclusion is appropriate, follow the process available through the account or support channels shown on this website. Read the conditions carefully, including how the restriction operates and what happens to access during the exclusion period. Self-exclusion should be treated seriously and should not be used as a short-term way to manage a single loss.

If you ask for a gambling restriction, do not create another account or use another person's account to continue playing. Tell people you trust about your decision and ask them to support you. If you are concerned about access to funds, speak with your bank about gambling transaction controls or other financial safeguards that may be available to you.

Marketing and account choices

If gambling promotions or reminders encourage you to play when you would rather not, review the communication preferences available to your account and reduce unnecessary notifications where possible. Marketing preferences do not replace spending limits, a break or self-exclusion. If you are trying to stop gambling, consider removing promotional messages and avoiding gambling-related content during your break.

Support, safety and personal responsibility

If gambling is affecting your finances, mental health or relationships, seek help from an independent service in Australia. Gambling support services can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance, and you do not need to wait until you have lost a large amount of money. You can also speak with your general practitioner, a qualified counsellor, a financial counsellor or another health professional.

For current Australian support options, use recognised government, community or health-service resources relevant to your state or territory. Different services may offer telephone, online or face-to-face assistance, and some may also support family members affected by another person's gambling. Choose a service that suits your circumstances and ask about confidentiality, eligibility and the types of assistance available.

If you are in immediate danger, feel unable to keep yourself safe or are experiencing a mental health crisis, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis service in your area. Gambling support is not a substitute for emergency medical or crisis assistance. If you are worried about someone else, encourage them to seek professional help and obtain support for yourself as well.

Age and access requirements

Gambling is only for people who meet the applicable legal minimum age. Minors must not create, use or access a gambling account. Parents and carers should use appropriate device, payment and account controls to reduce the risk of children accessing gambling services. Do not share account credentials, payment details or verification information with another person.

Keeping your account secure

Use a strong, unique password and keep it private. Sign out on shared devices and avoid saving account details where other people may access them. Review account activity and use the relevant support channel shown on the website if you notice activity you do not recognise. Security controls can help protect your account, but they do not replace spending and time limits.

Our approach

Pokies123 Casino provides responsible gambling information to encourage informed decisions and safer play. We may provide account tools or support processes designed to help players manage their gambling. These tools cannot remove all risk, and each player remains responsible for complying with applicable age, location, account and gambling requirements. We may also apply checks, restrictions or other measures where required by applicable law, platform rules or internal procedures.

If you believe you are losing control, the safest step is to stop gambling rather than trying to manage the problem through further play. Use the available restriction options, speak with someone you trust and obtain independent support. Responsible gambling is about keeping gambling within limits that are affordable, voluntary and consistent with your wider health and financial wellbeing.