Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online poker should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While poker can be exciting and engaging, it's important to understand that the house always has an edge, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essentials like rent, bills, or groceries.
Age Verification
Online poker in Australia is only for players aged 18 years and over, or the legal gambling age in your state or territory. By accessing poker sites, you confirm that you meet the minimum legal age requirement in your jurisdiction. If you are under the legal age, please do not use these services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in your gambling behaviour, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to finance gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family responsibilities, or hobbies due to gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties or debt related to gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online poker sites offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're willing to lose over a period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during gaming sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an account or multiple sites
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period without permanently closing your account
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support and Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online - Free, confidential counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call) - Gamblers Anonymous Australia - Peer support meetings
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
International Support
- GamCare (UK) - Support and information
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK) - National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you recognise problem gambling behaviour in yourself or a loved one, seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out. Trained counsellors and support services are available to help you regain control.
Remember: Your wellbeing is more important than any game. Help is just a phone call or click away.