Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming at The Pokies on thepokies-aussie.com is based on the principle that online gambling must remain a form of entertainment, not a way to solve financial, personal, or emotional problems. Our goal is to provide you with clear information, practical tools, and access to independent support so that you can make informed, conscious decisions about how you play. While The Pokies operates as an offshore website targeting Australian players and is not licensed in Australia, we are committed, as far as our technical and organisational means allow, to helping you manage your play, recognise risks, and access professional assistance whenever needed.

Risk Awareness

Gambling always involves risk. For some people, this risk can develop into problematic or addictive behaviour that harms finances, relationships, work, and health. It is important to observe your habits honestly and to act early if you notice warning signs.

Typical signs of problematic gambling

• Increasing time and money spent: You gamble more often, for longer sessions, or with higher stakes than you originally planned, and find it difficult to stop.
• Preoccupation with gambling: You frequently think about the casino, past wins or losses, or your next session, even when you are at work, with family, or doing other activities.
• Chasing losses: You try to win back money you have lost by continuing to play or increasing your bets instead of accepting losses as part of gambling.
• Hiding behaviour: You conceal the amount of time or money spent on gambling from family, friends, or colleagues, or you feel shame about your play.
• Borrowing or using essential funds: You use money intended for rent, bills, food, or other essentials for gambling, or borrow or take credit to continue playing.
• Emotional impact: You feel irritability, anxiety, depression, or mood swings related to your gambling, especially when you try to cut down or stop.
• Neglecting responsibilities: You miss work or study, avoid social obligations, or reduce time with family in order to gamble.

Self-assessment: quick check of your behaviour

The following statements are not a diagnosis but can help you reflect on your gambling. Answer honestly with "yes" or "no":

• I sometimes gamble with money that I need for bills, food, or other essentials.
• I have lied to people important to me about how much I gamble or how much I have lost.
• I feel restless, irritable, or upset when I cannot gamble or when I try to stop.
• I have tried to reduce or stop gambling, but I find myself starting again.
• I gamble longer than planned, or I continue gambling to try to win back losses.
• My gambling has caused problems in my relationships, work, studies, or health.
• Thoughts about gambling distract me from family, work, or other interests.

Interpretation: If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, it may be helpful to talk to a professional service listed below, to use the limits and self-exclusion tools we provide, and to consider seeking independent counselling. If you are in immediate distress or feel at risk of harm, please contact an Australian crisis service or emergency number 000.

Limits & Tools

Setting clear limits is one of the most effective ways to keep gambling at a recreational level. The Pokies offers technical tools via thepokies-aussie.com that help you control deposits and playing time. These tools are provided on a voluntary basis and do not replace your personal responsibility to gamble within your means.

Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)

Deposit limits help you control the amount of money you can add to your account over certain timeframes. Once set and confirmed, these limits will cap your deposits until you change them, subject to cooling-off rules.

1. Access your account: Log in to your player account on thepokies-aussie.com and open the "My Account" or "Profile" area from the main menu.
2. Open the responsible gaming section: Select "Responsible Gaming", "Limits", or a similarly named option, then choose "Deposit Limits".
3. Choose timeframe: You can usually set daily, weekly, and monthly limits. For each period, consider your income and essential expenses before deciding on a safe amount.
4. Enter your limits: Type the maximum amount you are prepared to deposit for each period. For example:
   • Daily limit: AUD 50
   • Weekly limit: AUD 150
   • Monthly limit: AUD 400
5. Confirm and save: Review the figures carefully and click "Save", "Confirm", or "Apply". A confirmation message should appear on the screen and you may receive an email.
6. Changes and cooling-off periods: Lowering your limits will typically take effect immediately. Requests to increase a limit or remove it may be subject to a cooling-off delay (for example, 24 hours or longer) and additional confirmations.

Important: Deposit limits control how much you can add to your account, not how much you can lose during a session. Always consider both total deposits and your current financial situation.

Session time limits and reality checks

Controlling the time you spend gambling can help protect you from fatigue and impulsive decisions.

• Session timer / reality check: In the "Responsible Gaming" area of your account, you may enable a "Session Limit" or "Reality Check". Specify a maximum session duration (for example, 30, 60, or 120 minutes). When the time is reached, a pop-up will notify you, and in some cases the session will be ended automatically.
• Break reminders: You can choose to receive periodic reminders during play stating how long you have been logged in and your net result during that session, giving you an opportunity to stop or take a break.

Short breaks ("Time-Out")

If you feel you need a short pause from gambling, you can request a "Time-Out" or temporary suspension of your account.

1. Open Time-Out settings: Log in, navigate to "My Account" > "Responsible Gaming" and select "Time-Out" or "Short Break".
2. Select duration: Choose the period for your break, typically from 24 hours up to 72 hours or, where available, up to several weeks.
3. Confirm your decision: Read the description of the consequences (for example, you will not be able to deposit or wager). Tick the confirmation box and click "Confirm".
4. During Time-Out: You will not be able to make new deposits or place bets. In most cases, you may still request withdrawals of your existing balance via the cashier, subject to the site's general terms.

Once a Time-Out is activated, it normally cannot be cancelled early. You will regain access automatically after the selected period ends.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a more stringent measure designed for players who feel their gambling is out of control or who are at significant risk of harm. It blocks access to your account for an extended period or permanently. Because The Pokies is an offshore operation without an Australian licence, its self-exclusion tools are internal to this website only and do not replace Australian state-wide or national self-exclusion schemes.

How to request self-exclusion

1. Log in or contact support: If you can access your account, log in and go to "My Account" > "Responsible Gaming" > "Self-Exclusion". If you cannot log in or prefer help, email [email protected] from your registered email address with "Self-Exclusion Request" in the subject line.
2. Select the exclusion period: In the Self-Exclusion section, choose a duration that reflects your needs:
   • Minimum of 6 months
   • 12 months
   • 2 - 5 years
   • Lifetime (permanent) exclusion
3. Read the consequences: Carefully review the information on what self-exclusion means, including loss of access to your account and restrictions on new registrations.
4. Confirm your decision: Tick the acknowledgement box confirming that you understand the terms, then click "Confirm" or "Submit". If requesting via email, clearly state the exclusion period and that you understand it cannot be lifted early.
5. Verification: For your protection, support may ask you to confirm certain account details before activating the exclusion.

Consequences of self-exclusion

• Account access: You will not be able to log in, deposit, or place bets on your account for the duration of the self-exclusion. The Pokies may also attempt to prevent you from opening new accounts under the same or similar details, although this cannot be guaranteed.
• Marketing and bonuses: We will take reasonable steps to stop sending you marketing communications related to gambling once your self-exclusion is processed, using the contact information you provided.
• Withdrawals and balance: Where technically and legally possible, you may be allowed to request withdrawal of any remaining real-money balance, subject to usual verification and withdrawal rules. Pending bonus balances or unfinished bonuses may be cancelled in line with the general bonus terms. Self-exclusion does not create any special entitlement to refunds of losses.
• Irreversibility during the period: Once self-exclusion is activated, it cannot normally be lifted or shortened before the chosen end date. This is an important safeguard to help you maintain your decision.
• After the exclusion period: For fixed-term exclusions (for example, 6 or 12 months), your account will not be automatically re-activated for full play without further checks. You may need to contact support to request reactivation, which may be subject to additional responsible-gaming assessments. Lifetime exclusions are treated as permanent and will not be lifted.

If you believe you are at significant risk of harm, we strongly encourage you to combine internal self-exclusion with independent blocking tools and Australian or international support services listed below.

Support Resources

Professional, confidential help is available both within Australia and internationally. Because The Pokies operates via offshore infrastructure and is not licensed by any Australian authority, we strongly recommend that you use independent national services and tools which are not connected with this website.

Local support in Australia

• Gambling Help Online (Australia-wide)
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free, nationwide)
  Web: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Services: 24/7 phone counselling, online chat, email support, self-help resources.
  Languages: English; interpreters and translation services can be arranged in many languages.
• Lifeline Australia
  Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
  Web: www.lifeline.org.au
  Services: Crisis counselling for emotional distress, including issues related to gambling harm, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
• Beyond Blue
  Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
  Web: www.beyondblue.org.au
  Services: Support for anxiety, depression, and related mental health issues that may result from or contribute to problematic gambling.
• State and Territory Gambling Help Services
  Each Australian state and territory provides local gambling help services (for example, NSW Gambling Help, Gambler's Help Victoria, Gambling Help Queensland). Contact details are available via Gambling Help Online.

All of these services are independent of The Pokies and provide confidential, professional assistance.

International support organisations

Self-exclusion schemes by country

In addition to internal tools on The Pokies, we encourage you to use official self-exclusion registers where available in your country of residence. Examples include:

• United Kingdom - GAMSTOP: Free national self-exclusion scheme covering most licensed online gambling operators in Great Britain. Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Spain - RGIAJ (Registro General de Interdicciones de Acceso al Juego): National register allowing individuals to prohibit their access to licensed gambling in Spain. Information: available via the Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) at www.ordenacionjuego.es
• Other EU and international schemes: Many jurisdictions provide regional or national self-exclusion registers or land-based casino bans. Check with your local regulator or responsible gambling authority.

Note for Australian players: As at 2026, Australia is developing and implementing various online wagering self-exclusion measures for licensed operators, but these do not usually cover illegal offshore websites such as The Pokies. For stronger protection, combine internal self-exclusion with blocking software and support services.

Blocking and filtering tools

Blocking software helps prevent access to gambling websites and apps from your devices, regardless of where they are licensed.

• Gamban: A paid application that blocks access to many online gambling websites and apps across devices once installed and activated. Website: www.gamban.com
• BetBlocker: A free tool offering device-level blocking of gambling sites with configurable restriction periods. Website: www.betblocker.org
• Parental controls and DNS filters: You can also use parental control tools on operating systems, routers, and security suites to block gambling-related domains.

Family and affected others support

Gambling problems rarely affect only the gambler. Family members, partners, and friends may experience stress, financial hardship, and emotional harm. Australian and international services provide specific help for affected others, including counselling, legal and financial advice, and peer support groups. Many of the services listed above (such as Gambling Help Online, Lifeline, and GamCare) also support family and friends.

Confidentiality: The external organisations and tools mentioned in this section are independent of The Pokies. They provide confidential support and do not share your information with this website or its operators unless you explicitly authorise them to do so or are required to by law.

Help for Family

If someone close to you may have a gambling problem, you are not alone and you are entitled to support in your own right. Approaching the topic calmly and respectfully can encourage the person to seek help without escalating conflict.

How to start the conversation

• Choose the right moment: Speak when neither of you is in the middle of a crisis, intoxicated, or extremely emotional. A private, calm setting is best.
• Use "I" statements: Focus on how their behaviour affects you rather than accusing them. For example, "I feel worried when I see money missing from our account," instead of "You are wasting all our money."
• Stay factual and specific: Refer to concrete examples (missed bills, secrecy about spending, changes in mood) rather than general judgments.
• Offer support, not ultimatums: Encourage them to speak with a counsellor or contact a helpline together. Emphasise that you want to help, while still protecting your own wellbeing.

Engaging them in support

• Suggest a joint call or chat: Offer to sit with them while they contact an Australian helpline (such as 1800 858 858) or an online chat service.
• Share information: Show them reputable resources (for example, Gambling Help Online, Gambling Therapy) and explain that help is confidential and non-judgmental.
• Encourage practical steps: Propose setting limits, using blocking software, or requesting self-exclusion together, while understanding that the decision must ultimately be theirs.

Support for you as a family member

Your safety and mental health are a priority. You are entitled to protect yourself financially and emotionally, even if the gambler is not yet ready to change.

• Family support groups and forums:
  • Australian gambling help services often provide support for family and friends (see Gambling Help Online).
  • Gam-Anon (associated with Gamblers Anonymous) offers meetings and resources for relatives and friends of problem gamblers: www.gam-anon.org.
  • Online forums and moderated chat groups run by organisations such as Gambling Therapy can connect you with others facing similar situations.
• Professional help: Consider speaking with:
  • a psychologist, counsellor, or psychotherapist experienced in addiction and family dynamics;
  • a financial counsellor to plan for debts, shared accounts, and asset protection;
  • legal advice if you are concerned about joint liabilities or domestic safety.
• Crisis support: If you ever feel in danger or observe signs of self-harm or violence, contact emergency services (000 in Australia) or a crisis line such as Lifeline (13 11 14) immediately.

Using or recommending The Pokies in conversations with a person experiencing gambling harms is not advisable. Encourage them instead to step away from gambling websites and prioritise treatment and support.

Operator's Commitment

The Pokies operates from an offshore environment and, according to available public information, currently has no active, verifiable gambling licence and no Australian regulatory oversight. Player funds are not segregated and there is no recognised external dispute resolution body. Within these limitations, we aim to apply internal procedures designed to identify risky play patterns and provide basic protective tools.

Internal monitoring and risk checks

• Behavioural analysis: Our systems may monitor indicators such as unusually long sessions, very frequent deposits, rapid increases in stakes, or repeated attempts to deposit following declined transactions. These indicators are used solely for responsible-gaming and fraud-prevention purposes.
• Automated alerts and warnings: When certain thresholds are reached, the system may display on-screen messages reminding you of available limits, Time-Outs, and self-exclusion, and encouraging you to take a break or review your play.
• Voluntary limit tools: We provide deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion tools as described above. These tools are optional but recommended for all players.

When support may contact you

• Risk pattern detection: If monitoring indicates potential signs of problematic gambling (for example, frequent late-night sessions combined with escalating deposits and use of funds following declined payments), our support team may contact you using your registered email address to:
  • inform you of the observed patterns in neutral language;
  • remind you of the available responsible-gaming tools;
  • encourage you to contact professional support services.
• Account interventions: In some situations, we may, at our discretion:
  • apply temporary restrictions to deposits or betting;
  • suggest or implement a Time-Out;
  • recommend self-exclusion or process a self-exclusion upon your confirmed request.
• Limitations of our commitment: Because The Pokies is effectively unregulated and ownership, licensing, and financial structures are not subject to recognised oversight, our internal procedures:
  • do not replace legal protections granted by licensed operators in regulated jurisdictions;
  • cannot guarantee the detection of all problematic gambling behaviour;
  • do not create any legal duty of care beyond what is required under applicable law in our operating jurisdiction, which may be limited or unclear.

Important regulatory disclaimer (AU): The Pokies, accessible via thepokies-aussie.com, targets Australian players but is listed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as an illegal offshore gambling service and does not hold an Australian licence. Australian regulatory responsible-gambling standards, and associated dispute-resolution and fund-protection mechanisms, do not apply to this website. You should carefully consider these risks and seek independent legal and financial advice if needed.

Updates

Responsible gambling practices, legal requirements, and technological tools evolve over time. We may update this page to reflect new features, changes in our internal procedures, or developments in relevant laws and industry standards.

How we will inform you of changes

• Website notices: Material changes to this Responsible Gaming page may be highlighted via a banner, pop-up, or notice on thepokies-aussie.com, especially when you log in after an update.
• Email communication: Where appropriate and where you have provided a valid email address, we may send you an email summarising significant updates to responsible-gaming tools, self-exclusion procedures, or contact information.
• Document versioning: The "Last updated" date below indicates when this page was most recently reviewed and amended. Earlier versions may not be available, and we do not undertake to notify you of all minor editorial changes.

Last updated: 6 November 2026

Contact & Feedback

If you have questions about responsible gaming, need help using our tools, or wish to provide feedback on how we can improve our protective measures, you can contact us using the details below.

Responsible gaming contacts

• Email (primary support): [email protected]
• Email (general information): [email protected]
• Phone: A dedicated responsible-gaming phone line is not currently specified. Please use email as the primary channel for responsible-gaming enquiries and requests, including self-exclusion.

Feedback and self-control requests

You may contact us to:

• request assistance with setting or modifying deposit and time limits;
• request activation of a Time-Out or self-exclusion if you cannot access your account;
• ask questions about the information on this page or suggest improvements.

Please include your full name, registered email address, and a clear description of your request. For your protection and due to the offshore, unregulated nature of The Pokies, we strongly recommend that any communication with us be combined with contact to independent Australian or international support services, which can provide professional counselling, legal and financial advice, and crisis support.