Responsible Gambling & Player Safety

Responsible gambling means playing within your means, setting limits on time and money, and understanding that pokies are games of chance with a built-in house edge. No strategy or betting system can change the odds. The outcome of each spin is random and independent of previous results.

Key principles include:

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Set a budget before you play and stick to it.
• Treat losses as the cost of entertainment, not something to chase.
• Take regular breaks.
• Never gamble to solve financial problems or escape stress.
• Keep gambling separate from essential expenses like rent, food, and bills.

Most licensed online casinos offer built-in tools to help you control your play.

Deposit limits cap how much you can deposit in a set period (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once you reach the limit, you cannot deposit further until the period resets.

Loss limits restrict how much you can lose in a session or time frame. When you hit the limit, your account is temporarily locked from further play.

Session time limits automatically log you out after a set duration, forcing a break.

Bet limits cap the maximum stake per spin, reducing the speed at which funds deplete.

These tools are not punishment-they are safeguards. Using them is a sign of smart play, not weakness. Ask your casino's support team how to activate limits on your account.

Self-exclusion is a formal agreement between you and the casino to block your account for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years, or indefinitely). During exclusion, you cannot access your account, deposit, or play.

Self-exclusion is stronger than a simple account closure. It is legally binding and prevents you from re-opening the account during the exclusion period, even if you change your mind.

To self-exclude, contact the casino's support team and request self-exclusion in writing. They will confirm the exclusion period and provide documentation.

If you self-exclude from one online casino, that exclusion applies only to that site. If you need to self-exclude across multiple operators, you may need to contact each one separately.

Seek support if you notice any of these patterns:

• Gambling more often or for longer than intended.
• Spending more money than planned.
• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back what you lost.
• Lying to friends or family 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.

Problem gambling is not a moral failing. It is a recognised condition with effective support available.

Gambling Help Online Phone: 1800 858 858 Web: gamblinghelponline.org.au Available 24/7. Free, confidential, and staffed by trained counsellors. Offers phone support, online chat, and referrals to local services.

Lifeline Phone: 13 11 14 Web: lifeline.org.au 24/7 crisis support. If gambling is affecting your mental health or you are in crisis, Lifeline is available.

GambleAware Web: gambleaware.nsw.gov.au NSW-based but resources apply nationally. Provides information on safer gambling, self-help tools, and links to counselling.

VRGF (Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation) Web: vrgf.org.au Victoria-specific resources, including counselling and support programs.

Gamblers Anonymous Web: gamblersanonymous.org.au Peer support meetings across Australia. Free and confidential.

[!RISK] Online gambling carries financial risk. In Australia, problem gambling affects around 1 in 200 adults. If gambling stops being fun or is causing financial stress, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 immediately. Support is free and confidential.

1. Set a budget - Decide how much you can afford to lose before you play. Treat it like the cost of a night out.
2. Use casino limits - Activate deposit, loss, and session time limits on your account.
3. Play for fun, not profit - Pokies are entertainment with a house edge. Do not expect to win.
4. Take breaks - Step away every 30-60 minutes. Avoid extended sessions.
5. Never chase losses - If you lose your session budget, stop. Do not deposit more to try to win it back.
6. Keep it separate - Use a dedicated gambling account or prepaid card, not your main bank account.
7. Tell someone - If you are struggling, talk to a trusted friend or family member, or call a helpline.

If someone you care about is struggling with gambling, you can help.

• Encourage them to call Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
• Avoid judgment. Problem gambling is a health issue, not a character flaw.
• Do not lend them money or cover their gambling debts.
• Set boundaries. You cannot fix their gambling for them.
• Look after your own wellbeing. Supporting someone with problem gambling can be stressful.

Organisations like Gambling Help Online and GambleAware also offer support for family members.

High-volatility pokies like Genghis Khan can produce long dry spells followed by big bonus hits. This unpredictability makes them exciting but also risky if you are not prepared.

• Play with a fixed session budget.
• Understand that bonus features are random and cannot be predicted.
• Use demo mode to learn the game before playing for real money.
• Set a win target and a loss limit before you start.
• Walk away after a strong win or when your session budget is spent.

Responsible gambling is not about never playing-it is about playing in a way that keeps gambling fun and under control.

If you have questions about responsible gambling or need support, the resources above are free, confidential, and available 24/7.