Responsible Gaming Guide for Australian Pokies88 Players

Entertainment, not income

Gambling outcomes are uncertain. No pokies strategy, betting system, RTP figure, bonus or previous win can guarantee profit. Never view online gambling as employment, an investment or a solution to debt.

A responsible player understands that the house has an advantage, accepts that losses are possible and only uses money set aside for leisure.

18+ gambling requirement

This website and any linked online casino information are intended only for adults aged 18 or over. Parents and guardians should use device controls and account security measures to prevent underage access.

Set an affordable gambling budget

• Decide your maximum loss before opening a game and never exceed it.
• Only gamble with disposable entertainment money after bills, food, housing and savings are covered.
• Never use credit, loans, rent money, household funds or money borrowed from friends.
• Track deposits and withdrawals in AUD so you know your true net spend.

Use time limits and regular breaks

• Set a session timer and stop when it expires, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
• Take frequent screen breaks and avoid long, continuous online pokies sessions.
• Balance gambling with sleep, work, family, exercise and offline recreation.

Never chase gambling losses

Increasing bets after a loss does not improve your probability of winning. Chasing losses can quickly turn affordable entertainment into financial harm. Stop, log out and take a cooling-off period if you feel pressure to win money back.

Financial and behavioural warning signs

• Spending more money or time gambling than intended.
• Repeatedly trying to recover losses through larger or more frequent bets.
• Borrowing, selling possessions or missing payments to fund gambling.
• Hiding casino activity, deposits or losses from family and friends.
• Feeling unable to stop despite setting limits or making promises.

Emotional and social warning signs

• Feeling anxious, irritable, guilty or depressed because of gambling.
• Using online pokies or live casino games to escape stress or difficult emotions.
• Losing interest in relationships, hobbies, study or work.
• Gambling while affected by alcohol, drugs, anger, loneliness or distress.

When to act

If one or more warning signs feel familiar, pause gambling immediately. Tell someone you trust, restrict access to funds, activate exclusion tools and contact a confidential gambling support service.

Deposit, loss and wagering limits

A deposit limit restricts how much money can be added during a daily, weekly or monthly period. Where available, loss and wager limits can provide additional protection. Set limits before playing, when decisions are not influenced by a winning or losing streak.

Cooling-off and time-out periods

A time-out temporarily blocks play for a chosen period. It can help interrupt chasing behaviour, restore perspective and prevent impulsive AUD deposits.

Self-exclusion from online gambling

Self-exclusion is intended for people who need a stronger barrier. Ask the relevant operator to close or restrict your account, and consider registering with applicable Australian exclusion services. Do not try to bypass an exclusion by opening another account.

Device and payment blocking

• Install gambling-blocking software on phones, tablets and computers.
• Ask your bank whether gambling transaction blocks are available.
• Remove saved cards and digital wallet details from gambling accounts.
• Ask a trusted person to help manage money while you regain control.

RTP does not predict your session

Return to player, or RTP, is a theoretical percentage calculated across a very large number of game rounds. A 96% RTP does not mean you will receive AUD 96 back from every AUD 100 in one session.

Random outcomes and independent spins

In random-number-generator pokies, previous spins do not make a win “due”. A long losing streak does not increase the chance that the next spin will pay, and a recent jackpot does not necessarily reduce it.

Bonuses are not free money

Welcome bonuses, free spins and daily casino rewards can include wagering requirements, maximum bet limits, excluded games and expiry conditions. Read all promotional terms and never increase spending merely to unlock or retain a bonus.

Practical parental safeguards

• Keep usernames, passwords and identity documents private.
• Do not leave a logged-in casino account unattended.
• Use parental controls and gambling website blocking tools.
• Protect app-store purchases and payment methods with authentication.
• Talk openly about gambling risk, advertising and the fact that losses are expected.

Immediate Australian gambling support

• Gambling Help Online provides confidential counselling and information online and by phone.
• The National Gambling Helpline can be reached on 1800 858 858 in Australia.
• BetStop is Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register for licensed interactive wagering providers.
• Financial counsellors can help with gambling debt, budgeting and creditor communication.

Mental health crisis support

If gambling harm is causing severe distress or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help. In Australia, call emergency services on 000 when there is immediate danger, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support.

Support for family and friends

Family members can seek counselling even if the person who gambles is not ready for help. Protect shared finances, avoid paying gambling debts without professional advice and communicate using calm, factual language.

Five steps you can take today

• Log out and activate a cooling-off period or self-exclusion.
• Contact your bank about gambling payment blocks.
• Delete gambling apps and install blocking software.
• Tell a trusted friend or family member what is happening.
• Call 1800 858 858 or contact a professional gambling counsellor.

Information and external operators

Account controls, exclusions and transaction decisions must be handled by the relevant external operator, bank or support service. If gambling no longer feels safe or enjoyable, the responsible choice is to stop and seek help.

Remember the core rule

Only gamble if you are 18+, only spend what you can afford to lose and stop before gambling affects your money, health, relationships or responsibilities. 18+ Gamble Responsibly.