Immediate Help
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling right now, call Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 — free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gambling Help Online
Phone: 1800 858 858
Free, confidential counselling and financial guidance 24/7
Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14
Crisis support and suicide prevention
Financial Counselling Australia
Phone: 1800 007 007
Free financial counselling for gambling-related debt
Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636
Mental health support and counselling
Warning Signs of Problem Pokies Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. These are common warning signs to watch for:
- Spending more time or money on pokies than planned
- Chasing losses — playing more to try to win back what you've lost
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend on pokies
- Neglecting work, family or social commitments due to pokies
- Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed when not playing pokies
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
Self-Exclusion Programs
All reputable online pokies sites offer self-exclusion tools that let you block yourself from accessing the site for a specified period — from 24 hours to permanent exclusion. Contact the casino's support team or use the responsible gambling section in your account settings to activate self-exclusion.
National Self-Exclusion Register
Australia's BetStop program allows you to self-exclude from all licensed Australian gambling operators simultaneously. Visit BetStop.com.au to register — it's free and takes only a few minutes.
Safe Pokies Habits
- Set a fixed budget before every session and stop when it runs out
- Set a time limit and use a timer or alarm to stick to it
- Never play pokies to escape stress, anxiety or depression
- Take at least one day off pokies per week
- Only play with money designated for entertainment — never rent or bill money