Responsible Gambling
ThePokies Reviews is committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling. Online gambling should be entertaining — if it becomes a source of stress, financial difficulty, or compulsion, please seek help immediately.
The Golden Rules of Responsible Gambling
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a budget before you play and stick to it.
- Never chase losses.
- Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income.
- Don't gamble when you are emotionally distressed, under the influence of alcohol, or fatigued.
- Take regular breaks.
- Balance gambling with other leisure activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
You may have a gambling problem if you:
- Spend more money or time gambling than you intended.
- Hide gambling behaviour from family or friends.
- Borrow money to gamble or pay gambling debts.
- Feel anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling.
- Keep gambling in an attempt to win back losses.
- Neglect work, study, family, or personal commitments due to gambling.
Self-Exclusion Tools
Most reputable online casinos, including ThePokies, offer self-exclusion options in account settings. To self-exclude, log in to your casino account, navigate to Responsible Gambling settings, and select your preferred exclusion period.
For a broader self-exclusion that covers multiple gambling platforms, consider registering with GamStop (UK) or equivalent services in your jurisdiction.
Support Services in Australia
- National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 — Free, confidential, 24/7
- Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counselling and chat
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 — Crisis support
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — Mental health support
- Financial Counselling Australia: 1800 007 007 — Free financial advice
Protecting Young People
Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. If you are concerned about a young person's gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline for advice. Consider using parental control software to restrict access to gambling websites on shared or family devices.
Legal Status of ThePokies in Australia
ThePokies (thepokies.net) is an offshore casino that has been identified by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as a prohibited gambling service under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Playing at this site carries legal and financial risk. Always understand the regulatory context before gambling online.
