Responsible Gambling Resources for Pokie Players

Responsible gambling means:

• Playing within your means and budget.
• Treating pokies as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to earn money.
• Setting time and money limits before you start.
• Taking regular breaks.
• Never chasing losses.
• Recognising warning signs early and seeking help if needed.

Most Australian venues and online casinos now offer built-in tools to help you stay in control. Using these tools is straightforward and free.

Deposit Limits

Many online casinos and some venues allow you to set a maximum amount you can spend in a set period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once you reach that limit, you cannot deposit or wager further until the period resets.

• How to set one: Log into your account, go to Responsible Gambling or Account Settings, and enter your chosen limit.
• Why it helps: A deposit limit acts as a hard stop; you cannot accidentally overspend.

Bet Limits

Some venues and online platforms let you cap the maximum bet size per spin. This is especially useful on high-volatility games like Golden Century, where a single spin can consume a large portion of your bankroll.

• Typical range: $0.01 to $50 AUD per spin, depending on the venue.
• Benefit: Slows your play and reduces the risk of rapid losses.

Time Limits

Set a session timer before you start playing. Many modern machines and online casinos display a clock and can alert you when your chosen time is up.

• Recommended: 30-60 minutes per session, with breaks in between.
• Why: Longer sessions increase fatigue and poor decision-making.

Loss Limits

Some platforms let you set a maximum loss amount for a session or day. Once you lose that amount, your account is temporarily locked.

• Example: Set a $50 AUD daily loss limit; if you lose $50, you cannot play again until the next day.

If you feel your gambling is getting out of control, self-exclusion is a powerful tool. It temporarily or permanently blocks your access to a venue or online account.

How Self-Exclusion Works

1. Contact the venue or casino (in person, by phone, or online).
2. Request self-exclusion and specify the duration (typically 6 months to 5 years, or permanent).
3. Your account is frozen - you cannot log in, deposit, or play.
4. No exceptions during the period - even if you ask to be unblocked, the venue is legally required to refuse.

Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion (AU)

Several Australian states operate shared self-exclusion schemes that cover multiple venues:

• NSW: Self-exclusion via Liquor & Gaming NSW covers many pubs and clubs.
• Victoria: The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission maintains a register.
• Queensland, WA, SA, ACT: Each state has its own scheme; contact your state regulator for details.

If you self-exclude from one venue, you may still access others unless you register with a state-wide scheme.

[!RISK] Online gambling carries financial risk. Most online casinos accepting Australian players are not licensed by Australian regulators. If gambling stops being fun, contact Gambling Help Online AU on 1800 858 858 or visit https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/.

Gambling Help Online (National)

• Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free, confidential)
• Website: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
• Services: Counselling, information, referrals to local support.
• Who to call: Anyone concerned about their own or someone else's gambling.

GambleAware NSW

• Website: https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/
• Phone: 1800 633 635
• Services: Counselling, support groups, self-exclusion registration.

Lifeline Australia

• Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Services: Crisis support, mental health counselling (gambling often co-occurs with depression and anxiety).

State-Specific Services

• Victoria: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission - https://www.vgccc.vic.gov.au/
• Queensland: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation - https://www.olgr.qld.gov.au/
• Western Australia: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries - https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/
• South Australia: Gambling Help Service - 1800 858 858
• ACT: ACT Gambling and Racing Commission - https://www.act.gov.au/

All services are free and confidential.

Stop and seek help if you notice:

• Spending more money or time on gambling than intended.
• Chasing losses (playing longer to win back what you lost).
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble.
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or sadness.
• Neglecting work, study, or relationships because of gambling.
• Borrowing money to gamble.
• Feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot gamble.

None of these signs mean you are weak or bad. Problem gambling is a recognised condition; help is available and effective.

1. Set a budget before you play - decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it.
2. Use venue or online limits - activate deposit, bet, and time limits on your account.
3. Take regular breaks - step away every 30-60 minutes.
4. Never chase losses - if you lose your session budget, stop playing.
5. Play sober - avoid gambling when tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol.
6. Treat it as entertainment - pokies are games of chance; there is no strategy to guarantee a win.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member's gambling:

• Talk to them privately and calmly - avoid judgment or anger.
• Suggest professional help - share the Gambling Help Online number or a local service.
• Set boundaries - you cannot force someone to stop, but you can protect your own finances and wellbeing.
• Look after yourself - contact a counsellor or support group if their gambling is affecting you.

Organisations like Gambling Help Online also provide support for family members and carers.

[!NOTE] Most Australian venues and online casinos are required by law to display responsible gambling information, including helpline numbers. If you do not see these details, ask staff or check the venue's website.

• Playing Golden Century on Mobile Devices - tips for managing play on your phone.
• Deposit & Withdrawal Options for Golden Century - understanding payment methods and setting spending controls.
• About This Golden Century Pokie Resource - our commitment to safe, factual information.

Gambling is meant to be fun. If it stops being fun, or if you feel out of control, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7 across Australia.