Responsible Gaming

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it may affect anyone. Some people experience financial difficulties, while others notice changes in their mood, relationships, work, study or physical wellbeing. Recognising early warning signs can make it easier to take action and receive support.

You may need to take a break if you:

• Spend more time or money gambling than you planned.
• Think about gambling frequently or find it difficult to concentrate on other things.
• Keep increasing your bets or deposits to achieve the same excitement.
• Try to win back money you have lost.
• Feel restless, irritable or anxious when you are not gambling.
• Hide your gambling, losses or account activity from family or friends.
• Borrow money, sell belongings or miss bills because of gambling.
• Gamble when you are upset, lonely, stressed or experiencing other difficulties.
• Neglect work, study, family, sleep, health or other responsibilities.
• Feel guilt, shame or regret after gambling but continue to play.
• Argue with people close to you about how much you gamble.
• Use gambling to escape problems or to improve your mood.

One warning sign does not necessarily mean that you have a gambling problem, but it is a reason to pause and review your behaviour. Several signs, increasing losses or difficulty stopping are strong reasons to stop gambling and seek independent support. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help, and you do not have to manage the situation alone.

If gambling is affecting your safety or you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service in Australia immediately. Your safety is more important than any gambling account, balance or loss.

If you are concerned about your gambling, consider speaking openly with someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, counsellor, financial counsellor or qualified health professional. Australian gambling support services can provide confidential information, counselling and practical guidance. Independent support is available whether you gamble frequently or only occasionally, and whether the financial impact is small or significant.

You can also contact Heypokies Casino through the support options shown on the website to ask about available account restrictions, breaks or self-exclusion processes. Support staff can explain the general options available for your account, but they cannot make gambling risk-free or replace professional advice. If you need financial, legal, medical or mental health assistance, speak with an appropriately qualified independent service.

If you are supporting another person

Approach the conversation calmly and choose a private time. Focus on what you have observed and how the behaviour affects the person and those around them, rather than blaming or shaming them. Encourage them to take a break, review their limits and contact a professional support service. You should not lend money to cover gambling losses or take responsibility for managing another adult’s account. Set clear boundaries around shared finances and your own wellbeing.

• Listen without judging and allow the person to explain what is happening.
• Encourage practical steps, such as account restrictions, financial planning and professional counselling.
• Protect shared household funds and important bills from gambling-related losses.
• Avoid paying gambling debts or providing money that may be used to gamble.
• Seek support for yourself if another person’s gambling is affecting your health, finances or safety.

Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility, but the decision to stop or seek help can begin with one small step. Review this information regularly, use the controls available to you and take a break whenever gambling no longer feels affordable, controlled or enjoyable.