Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gaming

Responsible gaming means staying in control of when you play, how long you play and how much money you spend. It also means understanding that casino games are based on chance. Results cannot be predicted, and previous outcomes do not influence future results. There is no strategy that can guarantee a win.

Pokie Pop Casino provides gambling entertainment for eligible adults. We encourage every player to consider their personal circumstances before opening or using an account. Gambling should only be undertaken with money that you can afford to lose after essential living costs, financial commitments and savings have been considered.

A loss is not a debt that must be recovered through further gambling. Continuing to play after a loss can increase financial pressure and make it harder to make clear decisions. If you feel frustrated, tired, upset or under pressure, stop playing and return only if you can do so calmly and within a limit you have chosen in advance.

Our responsible gaming information is intended to help you make informed decisions. It does not replace independent financial, medical or professional advice. If gambling is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, work or finances, speaking with a qualified support professional can be an important first step.

Set limits before you play

Planning your gambling before you begin can help you keep it within safe and affordable boundaries. Decide how much time and money you are prepared to spend, and treat those amounts as entertainment costs rather than an investment. Do not increase a limit simply because you have lost money or want to continue playing.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Set a spending limit before each session and stop when that limit is reached.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, study, childcare or other essentials.
• Avoid gambling when you are affected by alcohol, medication, stress, anger, sadness or tiredness.
• Do not borrow money, use credit for gambling or sell possessions to fund play.
• Keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses and the time you spend gambling.
• Avoid chasing losses or treating a win as a reason to increase your spending.
• Balance online gambling with other activities, interests and time with family or friends.
• Consider asking a trusted person to help you keep to the limits you have selected.

Depending on the account and tools available, players may be able to use features such as deposit limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, temporary breaks or account self-exclusion. These tools can help create distance from gambling, but they work best when used early and consistently. Check the relevant account settings or contact the available support channel if you need help understanding an option.

A limit should be realistic and based on your own budget. Setting an amount that you cannot comfortably afford is not a safe limit. If you find yourself changing, cancelling or avoiding a limit so you can continue gambling, consider taking a longer break or requesting self-exclusion.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Problem gambling can affect anyone, including people who have previously felt in control. It may develop gradually, and you do not need to lose a particular amount of money before your gambling becomes a concern. Paying attention to changes in your behaviour, mood and finances can help you act early.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Repeatedly trying to win back money you have lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you cannot gamble.
• Thinking about gambling during work, study, family time or other important activities.
• Hiding or minimising how often you gamble or how much you spend.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or using savings to continue gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Neglecting sleep, health, work, study or relationships because of gambling.
• Making repeated promises to stop or cut down but finding it difficult to do so.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed or distressed after gambling.

One or more of these signs does not mean that you should feel ashamed. It does mean that taking a break and seeking advice may be helpful. You can start by speaking honestly with someone you trust, reviewing your account activity and removing access to gambling for a period of time.

If gambling has caused serious financial stress, consider speaking with a qualified financial counsellor. If it is affecting your mood, sleep or mental health, a doctor or other health professional can help you explore suitable support. If you feel at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek urgent assistance through appropriate emergency or crisis services in Australia.

Breaks, account restrictions and self-exclusion

A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling without making a longer-term decision. During a break, avoid opening other gambling accounts or using another person’s account. Removing gambling applications, turning off promotional notifications and asking your bank about available gambling transaction controls may also help reduce temptation.

Self-exclusion is a stronger restriction for people who want to stop gambling for a specified period or longer. When requesting self-exclusion, provide accurate information and follow the instructions presented for your account. You should not attempt to bypass an exclusion by creating another account, using another person’s details or asking someone else to gamble on your behalf.

If you decide that gambling is no longer suitable for you, permanent account closure may be the most appropriate choice. Account restrictions and self-exclusion are not a substitute for professional support, and they may not address gambling activity with other providers. Consider using equivalent restrictions wherever you hold gambling accounts.

If you want to reduce or stop gambling

1. Stop playing and withdraw any funds you are entitled to withdraw under the applicable account terms.
2. Use available limit, cooling-off or self-exclusion options rather than relying only on willpower.
3. Tell a trusted person what you are doing and ask them to support your decision.
4. Remove saved payment methods and reduce access to money that could be used for gambling.
5. Contact a recognised Australian gambling support service or a qualified health professional.
6. Make a plan for times when you would normally gamble, including exercise, hobbies, social activities or other positive routines.

If you have concerns about an account restriction, responsible gaming feature or gambling activity, use the available support process connected with your account. We may need to verify account information before applying certain changes, and some restrictions may not be reversible during the selected period.

Protecting young people and other people

Gambling is for adults only. Do not allow anyone under the applicable legal age to use your account, view your account credentials or gamble with your funds. Keep passwords, payment information and devices secure, and log out when you are not using your account. Parents and carers should consider using device, network and payment controls to help prevent children from accessing gambling services.

Your account must be used only by you. Do not share it with a friend, partner, family member or any other person, and do not gamble on behalf of someone else. Sharing access can create financial, privacy and identity risks and may interfere with responsible gaming protections.

Family members and friends can sometimes notice changes before the person who gambles does. If you are concerned about someone, choose a calm time to talk, describe the behaviour you have observed and avoid blame. Encourage them to use account restrictions and seek independent support. Do not provide money to cover gambling losses or take responsibility for managing their account.

Pokie Pop Casino encourages players to take responsible gaming seriously from the first session. Set a clear budget, keep gambling as one small part of your leisure time and stop whenever it no longer feels enjoyable or affordable. Early action can help prevent gambling from becoming a larger problem.