Our position
We publish information about one pokie, including a free demo that runs without money, and we want every visitor to treat gambling as paid entertainment rather than a source of income. The house edge is built into every game: at a 96.53% RTP, the long-term expectation is a return of about A$96.53 for every A$100 wagered, and short sessions can swing far below that.
That is why we see the demo as the safest place to learn the game, and why this page sits alongside everything else we publish.
Keeping play under control
Set a budget before you begin and treat it as money already spent. Whether it is A$20 or A$200, the figure should be an amount you could lose without affecting rent, bills or groceries.
Decide on a time limit as well, and use a phone alarm if needed. High-volatility pokies can go through long dry runs, and the urge to keep spinning until a feature lands is exactly how sessions stretch well past their plan. Avoid playing when you are stressed, tired, upset or after drinking, and never borrow money or use credit to gamble.
Warning signs
Gambling problems usually develop gradually, so it helps to know what to look for. Common signs include spending more money or time than intended, chasing losses with bigger bets, hiding gambling from family or friends, and feeling irritable when trying to cut back.
Other signals are more practical: missed bills, borrowing to keep playing, or gambling to escape worries. If several of these sound familiar, it is worth speaking to someone now rather than waiting.
Tools that can help
Most real-money gambling sites offer deposit limits, session reminders, time-outs and self-exclusion in the account settings. Setting these before the first top-up is far easier than trying to apply them in the middle of a losing run.
BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, lets Australians exclude themselves from all licensed online and phone wagering providers for anywhere from 3 months to a lifetime. It covers betting services such as sports and racing wagering, but not in-venue gambling or online casinos. Blocking software can stop access to gambling sites on phones and computers, which is useful for anyone who wants an extra barrier.
Protecting minors
Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over, and our content is not intended for anyone younger. If children use the same devices, parental control settings on Android, iOS and desktop browsers can restrict access to gambling-related sites.
Where to get help in Australia
The services below are free and confidential, and they support both people who gamble and those close to them:
- Gambling Help Online: national counselling service open 24/7 by phone on 1800 858 858, live chat and email, with self-help tools and referrals to local face-to-face support.
- BetStop: the government’s National Self-Exclusion Register for licensed online and phone wagering. Registration takes a few minutes and needs a mobile number, an email address and an Australian driver’s licence or Medicare card.
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: peer support fellowship with a 12-step program and regular meetings in every state and territory, both open and closed.
- National Debt Helpline: free financial counselling on 1800 007 007 for people dealing with debt, including debt caused by gambling.
Reaching out early makes recovery easier, and gambling problems respond well to support. If something on this page feels close to home, one call or chat is a practical first step.
