Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling
At johnselec.com.au, we believe gambling — whether at your local pokies venue or online — should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Pokies and other gambling products are games of chance: the house edge means that over time, the operator always wins. You should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose, and treat any losses as the cost of your entertainment, just like a movie ticket or a night out.
If gambling stops being fun, starts causing stress, or begins to affect your finances, relationships, or wellbeing, it may be time to take a break and seek support. Help is free, confidential, and available across Australia.
Age Verification — 18+ Only
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to gamble, including playing poker machines (pokies), betting on racing or sport, or entering a casino. This website is intended for adults aged 18 and over only.
- All licensed gambling venues and operators in Australia are legally required to verify the age of their customers.
- It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble, and for operators to allow underage gambling.
- If you share your devices with minors, consider using parental control software and never leave gambling accounts logged in.
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
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford or intended
- Hiding your gambling from family or friends, or lying about how much you've spent
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using credit to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or boredom
- Feeling irritable, restless, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop
- Thinking about gambling constantly, even when doing other things
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same feeling of excitement
- Repeatedly trying — and failing — to cut back or quit
If several of these sound familiar, it's a strong signal to reach out for support. Recognising the signs early makes a real difference.
Self-Help Tools
Licensed gambling operators and venues offer practical tools to help you stay in control. We encourage you to use them:
- Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly before you start playing.
- Loss limits: Cap how much you can lose over a set period — once reached, you're unable to keep playing.
- Reality checks: Enable on-screen reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
- Session/time limits: Set a maximum session length to help you take regular breaks.
- Self-exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from venues or gambling services for a set period or permanently. In Australia, you can register with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register for online and telephone wagering, and arrange venue-based self-exclusion through your state's program (e.g., the AHA/multi-venue self-exclusion schemes for pokies).
- Account history: Regularly review your transaction and play history to keep an honest picture of your spending.
Support Organisations — Australia
Free, confidential, 24/7 help is available. You don't need a referral, and speaking up is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential counselling and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone affected by gambling in Australia. Phone: 1800 858 858 — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop – National Self-Exclusion Register — Self-exclude from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers in one step. www.betstop.gov.au
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia — Peer support meetings across the country. www.gaaustralia.org.au
- Lifeline — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Phone: 13 11 14 — www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue — Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health. Phone: 1300 22 4636 — www.beyondblue.org.au
If Gambling Is No Longer Fun, It's Time to Act
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, don't wait for things to get worse. Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 — it's free, confidential, and available 24/7. You can also speak to your GP, a trusted friend, or a financial counsellor (free via the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007).
Remember: gamble responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it.
Last reviewed: 2026. johnselec.com.au is an informational website and does not operate gambling services. If you are under 18 or gambling is causing you harm, please seek help from the services listed above.