Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not a Source of Income

At dulcimers.com.au, we believe that playing the pokies and other forms of gambling should always be treated as a form of entertainment — never as a way to earn money, pay off debts, or solve financial problems. The odds always favour the house, and over time, gambling will cost you money. There is no strategy, system, or "hot machine" that can change that.

Before you play, decide how much time and money you can afford to lose, and stick to it. Never gamble with money meant for rent, bills, groceries, or other essentials. If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop.

Age Verification — 18+ Only

Gambling in Australia is strictly for adults aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble, including playing pokies, betting online, or entering gaming venues. Licensed operators are required to verify the age and identity of their customers.

If you share a device with minors, consider using parental control software and never leave gambling accounts logged in. If you are under 18, please leave this page — gambling is not for you.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:

• Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
• Hiding or lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or going into debt to gamble
• Gambling with money set aside for bills, rent, or groceries
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you try to cut down or stop
• Gambling to escape stress, loneliness, depression, or other problems
• Neglecting work, study, family, or friendships because of gambling
• Thinking about gambling constantly or planning your next session
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
• Having tried and failed to cut back or quit on your own

If you answered "yes" to even one or two of these, it may be time to take a break and talk to someone. Recognising the signs early makes recovery much easier.

Self-Help Tools to Stay in Control

Licensed Australian gambling operators offer a range of tools to help you gamble safely. We strongly encourage you to use them:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose within a set period.
• Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
• Time limits and session reminders — receive alerts or be logged out after a set time.
• Pre-commitment schemes — set binding limits before you start playing on pokies in many Australian venues.
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling venues or online betting sites for a chosen period or permanently. In Australia, you can register with BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and telephone wagering services in a single step.

Set your limits before you start playing, never increase them in the heat of the moment, and treat any money spent on gambling as the cost of entertainment — not an investment.

Support Organisations in Australia

Free, confidential, and professional help is available 24/7 across Australia. You don't have to face this alone:

• Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — free 24/7 counselling, live chat, and email support for Australians affected by gambling. National helpline: 1800 858 858.
• BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register — www.betstop.gov.au — self-exclude from all licensed Australian online wagering services at once, free of charge.
• Gamblers Anonymous Australia — www.gaaustralia.org.au — peer support meetings for people recovering from gambling addiction.
• Lifeline Australia — www.lifeline.org.au — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14.
• Beyond Blue — www.beyondblue.org.au — support for anxiety, depression, and mental health concerns that often accompany problem gambling. Call 1300 22 4636.

Most Australian states and territories also operate their own free gambling counselling services — search for your state-based service via Gambling Help Online.

If Gambling Is No Longer Fun, It's Time to Seek Help

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and effective, confidential treatment is available — often at no cost. Whether you're worried about your own gambling or someone else's, reaching out today can change everything.

Call the National Gambling Helpline now on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7), visit Gambling Help Online, or register with BetStop to take a break from online wagering. If you're in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Remember: gamble responsibly, set limits, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.