Responsible Gaming
Online poker and other forms of gambling should always be treated as a form of entertainment — not as a way to earn money, pay off debts, or solve financial difficulties. The outcome of any game of chance is never guaranteed, and you should never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable, it’s time to pause and seek help.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your Australian state or territory, which is 18 across all of Australia) to access any online poker or gambling service. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. The site operator uses identity verification checks to enforce this; if you are underage, do not attempt to create an account or play.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise several of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek support:
- Chasing losses — returning to try to win back money you have lost.
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or colleagues.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended.
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or other responsibilities because of gambling.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using funds meant for essentials to gamble.
- Lying about how much you gamble or feeling guilty or ashamed afterwards.
- Becoming restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop.
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable poker sites offer practical tools to help you stay in control. We encourage you to use them proactively:
- Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose over a set period.
- Reality checks — receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing.
- Time-outs — take a short break from your account, from 24 hours up to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion — block access to your account for a longer period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or permanently).
- Account history — review your deposits, withdrawals, and bets to track your activity.
These tools can usually be activated in your account settings or by contacting customer support. Using them is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Support Organisations
If you are concerned about your own gambling or that of someone close to you, help is available free of charge, 24/7. The following organisations are recognised and provide confidential support, counselling, and practical advice:
- Australia — Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline.org.au) — free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia. Call 1800 858 858 or chat online.
- United Kingdom — GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) and GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) — for self-exclusion and support in the UK.
- Canada — Responsible Gambling Council (responsiblegambling.org) — resources and prevention programs across Canada.
- United States — National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org) — helpline 1-800-GAMBLER and local resources.
- Germany — Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — official information and support for gambling addiction in Germany.
- Other countries — please search for your national problem gambling helpline or organisation. Many countries have free, anonymous services; a simple web search for “problem gambling help [your country]” will direct you to the most relevant resource.
Seek Help Today
If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or a loved one — or if gambling is causing stress, financial strain, or relationship problems — please seek help now. You are not alone, and recovery is possible. Contact Gambling Help Online (Australia) or the appropriate organisation listed above. Taking that first step can change your life.