Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be enjoyable when it is kept within reasonable personal and financial boundaries. There is no guaranteed way to win, and past results do not predict future results. Games are based on chance, so a win is never owed because of previous losses or the amount of time spent playing.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after essential expenses have been paid. Gambling funds should not come from rent, mortgage payments, bills, food, education, savings, borrowed money or credit intended for another purpose. Never use gambling to deal with stress, loneliness, boredom or financial pressure.

• Set a spending limit before you begin and stop when that limit is reached.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the game.
• Keep gambling separate from everyday household spending.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Avoid gambling when you are upset, tired, under the influence of alcohol or medication, or experiencing financial stress.
• Remember that bonuses, promotions and special offers do not remove the risks of gambling.

It can also help to keep a record of deposits, withdrawals, time spent playing and your overall gambling spend. Looking at this information regularly may make it easier to notice changes in your behaviour. Consider discussing your limits with someone you trust so that another person understands the boundaries you have chosen.

Age and access

Gambling is for adults aged 18 years and over. Do not allow children or other unauthorised people to use your account or access gambling services. Keep account passwords, payment information and devices secure. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and contact the relevant support team through the available account or website channels.

Responsible gambling tools are designed to help you make decisions before gambling becomes difficult to manage. Available features may include deposit, spending or loss limits; session reminders; cooling-off periods; temporary breaks; and account closure or self-exclusion options. The exact tools and conditions can depend on the service and the applicable requirements.

1. Choose a limit that reflects your actual budget, not an amount based on hoped-for winnings.
2. Apply the limit before starting a session or making a deposit.
3. Use reminders to monitor how long you have been playing.
4. Take a break if you feel frustrated, distracted or tempted to recover losses.
5. Use a longer break or self-exclusion if a short pause is not enough.
6. Ask for help if you are unable to keep to the limits you have set.

A self-exclusion request is a serious decision to stop gambling for a chosen period or until further notice. During self-exclusion, you should not create another account, use another person’s account or try to bypass account controls. If you decide to take a break, remove saved payment details where possible, consider blocking gambling-related access on your devices and tell a trusted person about your decision.

Limits and breaks work best when they are set in advance. Increasing a limit during a period of strong emotion can undermine the purpose of the tool. If you are unsure which option is appropriate, seek independent advice rather than making a decision while gambling.

Problem gambling can affect people in different ways. It may develop gradually, and a person does not need to gamble every day to experience harm. The important question is whether gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, work, study, health or peace of mind.

• Spending more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Trying to win back money after losing it.
• Increasing bet amounts to achieve the same excitement.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or using credit to gamble.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or account information from family and friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
• Missing work, study, appointments or personal responsibilities because of gambling.
• Arguing with family or friends about gambling.
• Gambling to escape personal problems or uncomfortable feelings.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial, emotional or relationship harm.
• Feeling regret after gambling but returning to it soon afterwards.

One or more of these signs can be a reason to pause and seek advice. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. Speaking with a trusted person, counsellor or financial adviser can make it easier to understand what is happening and choose practical next steps.

If you are worried about someone else

If a family member, friend or colleague may be experiencing gambling harm, approach the conversation calmly and without judgement. Explain what you have noticed, listen to their concerns and encourage them to seek professional support. Avoid lending money to cover gambling losses, and protect shared finances by reviewing accounts, payment access and household budgets where appropriate. You can also seek advice for yourself, even if the other person is not ready to change.

Independent support is available across Australia for people affected by gambling, as well as their families and friends. Gambling support services can provide confidential information, counselling, practical planning and referrals. Services may be available by phone, online or in person, depending on your location and needs.

You can look for support through recognised Australian gambling-help services, your state or territory health service, a qualified counsellor, your GP or a community support organisation. Financial counsellors may also help with budgeting, debt concerns and protecting essential household money. Support can be useful even when gambling has not caused a large financial loss.

• Talk to someone you trust and explain that you want support.
• Contact an independent gambling-help service in your state or territory.
• Speak with a GP or mental health professional if gambling is affecting your wellbeing.
• Ask a financial counsellor for help with debts, bills or budgeting.
• Use account limits, a cooling-off period, account closure or self-exclusion where appropriate.
• If you feel unsafe or at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an urgent crisis support service.

Pokie7 Casino can provide information about available account controls and responsible gaming processes through the support channels provided on the website. However, gambling operators cannot replace independent counselling, medical care or financial advice. If you need help, consider contacting an independent service as soon as possible.

Our shared responsibility

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility between the player, the operator and the people who provide support. Players should make informed decisions, protect their account and ask for help when needed. Operators should provide clear information, appropriate account controls and processes for responding to responsible gambling concerns. Friends, family and professionals can provide encouragement and practical support.

By using gambling services, you should understand that outcomes are uncertain and losses are possible. Set boundaries before you play, respect those boundaries and take action early if gambling stops being enjoyable or begins to cause harm.