Safer Participation
Responsible Gambling Principles
Set a Spending Limit
Decide how much you can afford to lose without affecting rent, bills, food, savings or other essential expenses.
Set a Time Limit
Decide when you will stop, take regular breaks and avoid allowing gambling to interfere with work, sleep or relationships.
Never Chase Losses
Do not increase spending or continue playing in an attempt to recover money already lost.
Keep It as Entertainment
Do not treat gambling as employment, an investment or a reliable source of income.
Avoid Borrowed Money
Do not use credit, loans or money borrowed from another person to continue gambling.
Avoid Emotional Decisions
Do not gamble when distressed, angry, tired, under pressure or affected by alcohol or other substances.
Recognise Harm Early
Warning Signs
Consider stopping and seeking support if you recognise any of these signs:
- Spending more money or time than originally planned.
- Borrowing money or using credit to continue.
- Trying to recover previous losses by increasing spending.
- Hiding gambling activity from family members or friends.
- Feeling anxious, guilty, angry or distressed after gambling.
- Neglecting work, study, sleep or personal relationships.
- Finding it difficult to stop after deciding to take a break.
- Using money required for bills or essential expenses.
Personal Check-In
Ask Yourself These Questions
Am I spending more than I can afford?
If gambling affects essential expenses, debts or savings, stop and contact a free gambling-support service.
Am I trying to recover previous losses?
Chasing losses can increase financial harm. Take a break and avoid making another payment.
Has gambling affected my work or relationships?
If gambling is causing conflict, secrecy or missed responsibilities, seek confidential professional support.
Do I find it difficult to stop?
Consider account restrictions, blocking tools, self-exclusion and independent counselling support.
Am I gambling because I feel distressed?
Stop and speak with someone you trust or contact an independent support service. Gambling is not a reliable way to manage emotional distress.
Practical Action
Steps You Can Take
- Stop playing and avoid making another payment.
- Contact POKIESBOSS support to ask about account restrictions currently available.
- Ask your bank whether gambling-payment blocks or transaction controls are available.
- Use website, application or device-blocking tools during your break.
- Remove saved payment details when appropriate.
- Talk openly with someone you trust.
- Contact an independent gambling-support service.
Adults Only
Protecting Children and Young People
POKIESBOSS is intended only for adults aged 18 and over. Do not allow a child or young person to access your account, device, password or saved payment information.
- Use a strong device screen lock.
- Do not save passwords on shared devices.
- Log out when you have finished.
- Use device and network parental controls where appropriate.
- Keep payment information inaccessible to minors.
Free Australian Support
Independent Support Services
These independent Australian services provide information and support to people affected by gambling.
Gambling Help Online
Free and confidential gambling support available throughout Australia, 24 hours a day.
1800 858 858 Visit Support WebsiteLifeline Australia
Crisis support for people experiencing emotional distress is available at any time.
13 11 14 Visit LifelineBetStop
Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register covers licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers.
Visit BetStop