Self-Exclusion
This page explains how The Pokies supports responsible gambling. It covers the tools you can use to manage your play, signs that gambling may be causing harm, and where to find free, confidential help in Australia. If you ever feel your gambling is becoming a problem, these options are available right now.
Gambling Is Entertainment, Not Income
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment. It is not a way to make money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge over time, and losses are part of the experience. If you find yourself chasing losses, betting more than you can afford, or feeling stressed about your play, it may be time to take a step back.
Tools to Manage Your Play
The Pokies offers several built-in tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. These apply immediately. - Loss limits: Cap the total amount you can lose during a set period. - Session time limits: Choose how long you can play in one sitting. - Reality checks: Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you’ve been playing. - Cooling-off periods: Take a break for 24 hours, 7 days, or up to 30 days. Your account will be fully locked during this time. - Self-exclusion: Permanently close your account for a minimum of six months. You cannot reopen it during this period, even if you change your mind.
You can adjust most limits at any time through your account settings. However, if you want to increase a limit, such as raising your deposit cap, the change will only take effect after a 24-hour waiting period. This delay gives you time to reconsider.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
It’s important to recognise when gambling stops being fun. Common warning signs include:, Spending more time or money on gambling than planned, Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble, Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down, Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood, Borrowing money or selling items to fund play
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Help is available, and reaching out early makes a real difference.
Getting Independent Support in Australia
Free, confidential support is available across Australia. You can contact Gambling Help Online by phone (1800 858 858) or visit their website. They offer 24/7 counselling, self-help resources, and referrals to local services. Trained counsellors understand what you’re going through and won’t judge you.
Note that Australia does not have a single national self-exclusion register for online gambling. However, self-excluding with The Pokies applies only to this site. If you wish to block access to multiple gambling services, consider device-level controls or speaking with a support service about broader options.
Protecting Minors
You must be 18 or older to open an account with The Pokies. We verify your age and identity during registration using official documents. If we suspect underage access, the account will be suspended immediately.
If you share a computer or device with minors, consider installing parental control software such as Net Nanny or Family Zone. These tools can block gambling sites and monitor usage without relying solely on account-level restrictions.
Account and Verification Requirements
Only one account per person is allowed. During sign-up, you’ll need to provide accurate personal details. Before your first withdrawal, we’ll ask for proof of identity (like a driver’s licence) and proof of address (like a utility bill). This process, known as KYC (Know Your Customer), helps prevent fraud and underage gambling.
Fair Play and Prohibited Behaviour
You agree not to use bots, scripts, or automated systems to play games. Collusion with other players, bonus abuse, or initiating chargebacks without valid reason breaches our terms. Such actions may lead to account suspension and forfeiture of funds.
Privacy and Data Use
We collect your name, contact details, payment information, and technical data (like IP address and device type). This is used to run your account, prevent fraud, meet legal obligations, and improve security. We do not sell your data.
Your information may be shared with payment processors, identity verification partners, and state or territory gaming regulators when required by law. Data is kept only as long as necessary. Typically five years after account closure, as mandated by Australian anti-money laundering rules.
You have the right to request a copy of your data, correct errors, or ask for deletion where permitted. Contact our privacy team through your account dashboard to exercise these rights.
Cookies and Site Functionality
Essential cookies keep your session secure and remember login choices. Analytics cookies help us understand site performance (e.g., which pages load slowly). Marketing cookies are not used without your consent. You can manage preferences via your browser settings at any time.
All data sent between your device and our servers is encrypted using industry-standard protocols. Access to player accounts is restricted to authorised staff only.
Complaints and Disputes
If you have a concern about your account or gameplay, contact our support team first. If the issue isn’t resolved within 14 days, you can escalate it to the relevant state or territory gaming regulator. Each jurisdiction handles complaints differently. Details are available on their official websites.