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OP Online Pokies Australia

Responsible Gambling

Playing pokies should be fun, not a source of stress or harm. If online pokies are no longer enjoyable, help is available. This page provides resources, warning signs, and support services for Australians.

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

At Online Pokies Australia, we believe that playing pokies should always remain a form of entertainment — never a way to make money or escape problems. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling and providing resources to help Australians play pokies safely.

While we provide information about online pokies, we recognise that gambling carries risks. Online pokies in particular can be fast-paced and immersive, making it important to set limits.

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling occurs when gambling negatively affects a person's life — their finances, relationships, work, or mental health. It exists on a spectrum, from mild harm to severe addiction.

Key Facts About Problem Gambling in Australia

  • Australia has one of the highest gambling rates in the world
  • Approximately 80% of Australian adults gamble at least once per year
  • Around 1-2% of adults experience severe problem gambling
  • A further 4-6% experience moderate gambling harm
  • For every problem gambler, 5-10 others are affected (family, friends)
  • Pokies (electronic gaming machines) are the most common source of harm in Australia

Warning Signs of Problem Pokies Play

Financial Warning Signs

  • Spending more money on pokies than you can afford to lose
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using credit to play pokies
  • Chasing losses — playing more pokies to try to win back lost money
  • Neglecting bills, rent, or essential expenses to fund pokies play
  • Hiding bank statements or lying about finances

Behavioural Warning Signs

  • Spending increasing amounts of time playing pokies
  • Being preoccupied with pokies — constantly thinking about playing
  • Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities
  • Playing pokies to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
  • Lying to family and friends about pokies habits
  • Failed attempts to cut down or stop playing pokies

Emotional Warning Signs

  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce pokies play
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or hopeless about gambling
  • Feeling guilty or ashamed after pokies sessions
  • Thoughts of self-harm related to gambling losses

Quick Self-Assessment

Ask yourself these questions honestly:

  • Do you spend more time or money on pokies than intended?
  • Have you tried to cut back on pokies but couldn't?
  • Do you play pokies to escape problems or improve your mood?
  • Have you lied to others about your pokies play?
  • Has playing pokies caused relationship or financial problems?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, consider reaching out for support.

Tips for Playing Pokies Safely

Set Limits Before You Start

  • Money limit: Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it
  • Time limit: Set a time limit for pokies sessions
  • Win limit: Decide when to stop if you're ahead
  • Loss limit: Stop immediately when you hit your loss limit

Practical Strategies

  • Only play pokies with money you can afford to lose completely
  • Never chase losses — accept them and walk away
  • Don't play pokies when upset, stressed, or intoxicated
  • Take regular breaks during pokies sessions
  • Balance pokies play with other leisure activities
  • Don't borrow money to play — ever
  • Keep track of time and money spent on pokies

Use Available Tools

  • Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps
  • Loss limits: Automatically stop when losses reach a set amount
  • Session limits: Set time reminders or automatic logouts
  • Reality checks: Pop-up reminders showing time and money spent
  • Self-exclusion: Ban yourself from gambling for extended periods

Self-Exclusion Programs in Australia

BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register

BetStop is Australia's national self-exclusion register for online wagering. Launched in 2023, it allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online betting operators with a single registration.

  • Website: betstop.gov.au
  • Coverage: All licensed Australian online wagering operators
  • Duration: Minimum 3 months, up to lifetime
  • Cost: Free

State and Territory Programs

  • NSW: Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion — Liquor & Gaming NSW
  • VIC: Self-Exclusion Program + YourPlay — VGCCC
  • QLD: Exclusion Order Program — OLGR Queensland
  • WA: Self-Exclusion — Department of Local Government
  • SA: Barring Orders — Consumer & Business Services
  • TAS: Self-Exclusion — Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
  • NT: Self-Exclusion — Northern Territory Racing Commission
  • ACT: Self-Exclusion — ACT Gambling and Racing Commission

Australian Help Services

Free, confidential support is available across Australia

Gambling Help Online

  • Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7)
  • Website: gamblinghelponline.org.au
  • Free national helpline with phone, chat & email support

Lifeline Australia

  • Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
  • Website: lifeline.org.au
  • Crisis support and suicide prevention

Financial Counselling Australia

  • Phone: 1800 007 007
  • Website: financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au
  • Free financial advice and debt management help

Help for Family and Friends

If someone you care about has a pokies problem, you're not alone. Support is available for you too.

How Pokies Addiction Affects Families

  • Financial stress — shared debts, unpaid bills, loss of savings
  • Broken trust — lies, secrecy, broken promises
  • Emotional impact — anxiety, depression, anger, grief
  • Relationship breakdown — separation, divorce
  • Impact on children — stress, instability, trauma

What You Can Do

  • Educate yourself: Learn about problem gambling and pokies addiction
  • Set boundaries: Protect your finances and wellbeing
  • Don't enable: Avoid lending money or covering debts
  • Communicate: Express concerns without judgment when the time is right
  • Seek support: Access counselling for yourself — you need support too

Understanding the Odds — How Pokies Work

All pokies are designed to favour the house — over time, the operator always wins.

RTP and House Edge

Every pokies game has a built-in mathematical advantage for the operator, expressed as Return to Player (RTP) percentage.

  • Online Pokies: 85-97% RTP — Lose $3-$15 per $100 over time
  • Roulette (European): 2.7% house edge
  • Blackjack: 0.5-2% house edge
  • Sports Betting: 5-10% margin
  • Lottery: 40-50% house edge

Common Pokies Myths

  • Myth: "I'm due for a win" — Reality: Each spin is independent. Past results don't affect future outcomes.
  • Myth: "I have a winning system" — Reality: No system can overcome the house edge long-term.
  • Myth: "If I keep playing, I'll win it back" — Reality: Chasing losses usually leads to bigger losses.
  • Myth: "This machine is hot/cold" — Reality: Pokies use random number generators. Every spin is random.

Gambling and Suicide Risk

Problem gambling significantly increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
  • Emergency: 000

These feelings are temporary and treatable. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

Resources and Tools

Self-Help Resources

  • Gambling Help Online: Self-assessment tools and workbooks
  • Gamblers Anonymous: 12-step recovery program — gamblersanonymous.org.au
  • SMART Recovery: Science-based self-help groups — smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au

Apps and Digital Tools

  • Gambling Therapy: Free app with self-help tools and counselling
  • BetBlocker: Free app to block gambling websites and apps
  • Gamban: Software to block access to gambling sites

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a pokies problem?

If playing pokies is causing stress, financial problems, relationship issues, or you feel unable to control it, you may have a gambling problem. Key signs include chasing losses, lying about pokies play, and spending more than you can afford. If you're asking this question, it's worth speaking to a counsellor — call 1800 858 858 for a confidential chat.

Can I exclude myself from all gambling in Australia?

For online wagering, BetStop (betstop.gov.au) allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online betting operators with one registration. For land-based venues like pokies and casinos, you'll need to use state-based self-exclusion programs — contact Gambling Help (1800 858 858) for assistance setting these up.

Is gambling help really free and confidential?

Yes, absolutely. Services like Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) are completely free and confidential. Counsellors won't share your information without your consent. You can even access support anonymously if you prefer.

What if my family member won't admit they have a pokies problem?

This is very common. You can't force someone to change, but you can get support for yourself and set boundaries. Gambling Help offers counselling specifically for family members affected by someone else's gambling. Protecting your own finances and wellbeing is important. Call 1800 858 858 for advice.

Can I reverse a self-exclusion if I change my mind?

Self-exclusion is designed to be difficult to reverse. For BetStop, you must wait until your exclusion period ends and complete a revocation process. For venue-based exclusions, policies vary by state. This is intentional — the cooling-off period helps prevent impulsive decisions to return to gambling.

Does gambling treatment actually work?

Yes. Research shows that professional treatment — including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, and support groups — is effective for problem gambling, including pokies addiction. Many people recover fully and go on to live gambling-free lives. The most important step is reaching out for help.