Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While most people gamble responsibly, for some it can become a serious issue. This page explains how to keep gambling enjoyable and where to get help if it stops being fun.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years or older (or the legal gambling age in your Australian state or territory) to create an account and gamble online. Casinos are legally required to verify your age and identity. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to account closure and forfeiture of winnings. If you are under 18, do not attempt to gamble.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself honestly if any of the following apply to you:

• Chasing losses – returning to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding your gambling from family or friends, or lying about how much you spend.
• Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended.
• Neglecting work, study, family, or social commitments because of gambling.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using funds meant for bills to gamble.
• Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed after gambling.
• Being unable to cut down or stop gambling despite wanting to.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, or other problems.

If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek help.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer practical tools to help you stay in control. Use them proactively:

• Deposit Limits – Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss Limits – Cap the amount you can lose within a set period.
• Reality Checks – Receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing.
• Session Time Limits – Set a maximum duration for each gambling session.
• Self-Exclusion – Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing your casino account.
• Cooling-Off Periods – Take a short break from gambling (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks).

All licensed Australian online casinos must provide these tools. Contact customer support if you cannot find them.

Support Organizations

If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, free and confidential help is available. The following organisations provide support, advice, and counselling.

Australia (Primary)

• Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential support 24/7. Call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

International Resources

• United Kingdom – GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop (self-exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org (call or text 1-800-GAMBLER)
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): www.bzga.de
• Other countries – Please search for your national problem gambling helpline or visit www.gamblingtherapy.org for global support.

Seek Help Now

If you believe you or someone you know has a gambling problem, do not wait. Reach out today. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. In Australia, call 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.