Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At alllogos.com.au, we believe that playing the pokies and other forms of gambling should always be a fun and enjoyable leisure activity — never a way to earn money, escape problems, or cope with stress. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and the odds always favour the house over time. You should only ever gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose, and treat any winnings as a bonus rather than an expectation.
If gambling stops feeling like entertainment and starts feeling like a need, it may be time to take a break or seek support. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 across Australia.
Age Verification — 18+ Only
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to gamble legally, whether at a licensed venue, online casino, or wagering service. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to serious consequences for both the individual and the operator.
All licensed gambling operators are required to verify the age and identity of their customers. If you share your home or devices with minors, we strongly encourage you to:
- Keep your gambling account logins and passwords private.
- Use parental control software (such as Net Nanny or similar tools) to block gambling sites on shared devices.
- Never leave a gambling session open and unattended.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. It often develops gradually, which makes it important to check in with yourself regularly. Ask yourself whether any of the following apply to you:
- Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you've lost.
- Hiding your gambling — lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or how much you've spent.
- Spending more than you can afford — using money meant for rent, bills, groceries, or other essentials.
- Borrowing money to gamble — taking out loans, using credit cards, or borrowing from friends and family.
- Gambling to escape — using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or boredom.
- Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, study, or family commitments because of gambling.
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back — trying to stop or reduce gambling but finding you can't.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you're not gambling or trying to cut down.
- Thinking about gambling constantly — planning your next session or reliving past wins.
If you recognise one or more of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, please reach out for support. Recognising the problem is the first — and often hardest — step toward getting back in control.
Self-Help Tools to Stay in Control
Licensed gambling operators in Australia offer a range of tools to help you manage your play. We encourage you to set these up before you start gambling:
- Deposit limits — cap the amount of money you can deposit into your account daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits — set a maximum amount you're prepared to lose within a set period.
- Wagering limits — restrict the total amount you can bet over a chosen timeframe.
- Session time limits and reality checks — receive on-screen reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
- Time-outs / cooling-off periods — take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion — exclude yourself from venues or online services for a longer period. In Australia, BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register allows you to block yourself from all licensed online and phone wagering services nationwide.
- Account activity statements — regularly review your transaction history to keep track of your spending.
Support Organisations — Help Is Available
If gambling is causing you harm, or you're worried about someone you know, free and confidential support is available across Australia:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — free, confidential 24/7 counselling, live chat, and resources for Australians affected by gambling. Call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register — self-exclude from all Australian licensed interactive wagering providers in one step. Visit www.betstop.gov.au
- Gambler's Help (Victoria) and state-based Gambling Help services — free local counselling and financial counselling services across every state and territory.
- Lifeline Australia — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
International Support
- United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop (self-exclusion) — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org (call or text 1-800-GAMBLER)
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — check your local helpline for gambling addiction support.
If Gambling Is No Longer Fun, Seek Help Today
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're gambling beyond your means, worried about a mate, or just want to talk things through, trained counsellors are ready to listen — free of charge and in complete confidence.
In Australia, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Remember: only gamble with money you can afford to lose, set limits before you play, and if it stops being fun — stop.