Responsible Gambling Guide for Pokie Players

Responsible gambling means playing within your means, understanding the odds, and recognising when play has become harmful. It's not about never gambling - it's about gambling in a way that doesn't damage your life.

Key principles include:

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Set time and money limits before you play.
• Understand that all pokies have a built-in house edge - the odds always favour the venue over time.
• Never chase losses by increasing bets or extending sessions.
• Recognise warning signs of problem gambling in yourself and others.

Most online casinos and land-based venues in Australia offer tools to help you stay in control.

1. Deposit limits

• Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit.
• Once reached, you cannot add more funds until the period resets.
• Available at all licensed Australian casinos and most offshore sites.

2. Bet limits

• Restrict the maximum bet per spin.
• Helps prevent impulsive large bets during losing streaks.

3. Session time limits

• Automatically log you out after a set duration (e.g. 1 hour, 2 hours).
• Breaks the cycle of continuous play.

4. Loss limits

• Set a maximum loss amount per session or period.
• Once you hit that loss, your account is locked from further play until the limit resets.

How to set limits:

• Contact the casino's customer support team and request limit settings.
• Most sites allow you to adjust limits via your account settings under "Responsible Gambling" or "Player Protection".
• Limits can usually be lowered immediately but may take 24-48 hours to increase (a built-in cooling-off period).

[!TIP] Set limits when you're calm and thinking clearly, not during or after a gambling session. Write down your limits and review them weekly.

If you need a break from gambling, self-exclusion is a formal, legally binding tool.

Self-exclusion:

• You voluntarily request to be banned from a casino for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years, or permanently).
• The casino cannot allow you to log in or deposit during that time, even if you ask.
• Your account remains closed and inaccessible.

How to self-exclude:

1. Contact the casino's support team (email, phone, or live chat).
2. Request self-exclusion and specify the duration.
3. Receive written confirmation with an exclusion reference number.
4. Keep that confirmation for your records.

Multi-venue self-exclusion (Australia):

• Gambling Help Online (see below) can help you register for multi-venue self-exclusion across multiple Australian casinos and online sites.
• This is more powerful than single-site exclusion because it covers multiple operators at once.

[!RISK] Self-exclusion is only effective if you stick to it. If you're tempted to re-register under a different name or email, contact a support service immediately instead.

Gambling Help Online (National)

• Phone: 1800 858 858 (free, confidential, 24/7)
• Web: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Provides counselling, self-exclusion registration, and referrals to local services.
• Operates across all states and territories.

Lifeline Australia

• Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Web: https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Supports people in crisis, including those affected by problem gambling.
• Trained counsellors available anytime.

State-specific services:

All services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these, seek help:

• Gambling more often or with larger amounts to get the same "rush".
• Lying to family or friends about gambling activity or losses.
• Neglecting work, study, or relationships because of gambling.
• Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling.
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop.
• Using gambling to escape problems or difficult emotions.

Pokies are designed to be engaging and rewarding in the short term, but the long-term odds are always against the player. Protect yourself by:

• Separating gambling from your regular income. Use only discretionary money, never rent, bills, or savings.
• Avoiding alcohol while gambling. Alcohol impairs judgment and increases risk-taking.
• Taking regular breaks. Step away from the screen or machine every 30-60 minutes.
• Talking to someone. If you're stressed or struggling, confide in a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor before gambling.
• Reviewing your play. Check your casino account history weekly to see how much you've spent and won/lost.

Land-based venues (casinos, pubs, clubs):

• Regulated by state and territory gambling commissions.
• Machines must meet strict RTP (Return to Player) standards and be regularly audited.
• Venues are required to display responsible gambling signage and provide access to support information.
• Staff are trained to spot problem gambling and can refuse service if needed.

Online casinos (offshore):

• Most online casinos accepting AU players are licensed offshore (Curacao, Malta, etc.), not by Australian regulators.
• They are not subject to ACMA oversight or Australian consumer law in the same way.
• Dispute resolution is weaker; if you have a complaint, you may have limited recourse.
• Choose operators with strong player reviews, transparent terms, and responsive support to reduce risk.

[!RISK] Online gambling carries financial risk. If you play at offshore casinos, you have fewer legal protections than at land-based venues. If gambling stops being fun, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility between players, venues, and support services. If you choose to play pokies like Chica Bonita, do so with clear limits, a realistic mindset, and a plan to seek help if needed.

Remember: Pokies are entertainment, not income. The house always has a mathematical edge. Play for fun, not to make money or solve financial problems.

If you have questions about your own gambling or need immediate support, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.