Responsible Gambling Resources

This page outlines tools, contacts and strategies to help Australian pokie players gamble responsibly, whether you play Black Panther online or any other game.

Setting limits before you play is the simplest way to stay in control.

1. Set a budget - Decide how much money you can afford to lose and stick to it. Treat it as entertainment spending, not income.
2. Set a time limit - Decide how long you'll play in one session. Use a timer or alarm if needed.
3. Never chase losses - If you lose your session budget, stop. Chasing losses by spending more money almost always leads to bigger losses.
4. Avoid playing when upset - Don't use gambling to escape stress, loneliness or sadness. These emotional states can lead to poor decisions.
5. Keep gambling separate from essentials - Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills, food or other necessities.

[!TIP] Most online casinos allow you to set deposit limits, loss limits and session time limits directly in your account settings. Use these tools before you play.

If you feel your gambling is getting out of hand, most reputable online casinos offer self-exclusion options.

Self-exclusion means you voluntarily ban yourself from accessing your account for a set period (typically 6 months to several years). During this time:

• You cannot log in or deposit.
• The casino will not contact you with promotions.
• Your account remains closed even if you try to re-open it.

To self-exclude at an online casino:

1. Log into your account.
2. Go to Responsible Gaming or Account Settings.
3. Select Self-Exclusion and choose your exclusion period.
4. Confirm your request (some casinos require email verification).

Self-exclusion is not reversible during the chosen period, so use it only when you're serious about taking a break.

Other account controls available at most casinos include:

• Deposit limits - Cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month.
• Loss limits - Stop playing once you've lost a set amount.
• Session time limits - Automatic logout after a set duration.
• Reality checks - Pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.

Use these tools proactively, not as a last resort.

Gambling Help Online is Australia's free, confidential telephone and online counselling service for problem gambling.

• Phone: 1800 858 858 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
• Online chat: Available via gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Cost: Free
• Confidentiality: Calls are not recorded; your privacy is protected

Gambling Help Online can:

• Provide immediate support if you're in crisis.
• Offer counselling and advice on managing problem gambling.
• Help you develop a plan to reduce or stop gambling.
• Connect you with local support services and treatment options.
• Support family members affected by someone else's gambling.

You don't need to be in crisis to call. Many people contact Gambling Help Online early, before problems escalate.

Lifeline (13 11 14)

If you're experiencing depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts related to gambling losses or other issues:

• Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours)
• Cost: Free
• Online chat: lifeline.org.au

Lifeline provides crisis support and can refer you to mental health services.

State-Based Services

Each Australian state offers additional problem gambling support:

• NSW: GambleAware NSW - gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au
• Victoria: Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) - responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au
• Queensland: Problem Gambling Services - problemgambling.qld.gov.au
• South Australia, WA, Tasmania, ACT: Contact Gambling Help Online for local referrals.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous runs peer-support meetings across Australia for people struggling with gambling addiction.

• Website: gamblersanonymous.org.au
• Meetings: Free, confidential group sessions in most major cities
• Phone: Contact via website for local meeting times

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:

• Gambling more often or with larger amounts to get the same excitement.
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or how much you've lost.
• Borrowing money to gamble or gambling with money meant for bills and essentials.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed when you're not gambling.
• Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop but failing.
• Neglecting work, study, family or hobbies because of gambling.
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win the money back.
• Gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions.

[!RISK] Online gambling carries financial risk. If you're in Australia and gambling stops being fun, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Support is free and confidential.

When you play Black Panther or any pokie online, choose casinos that:

• Display responsible gambling information prominently.
• Offer deposit, loss and time limits.
• Provide self-exclusion options.
• Link to Gambling Help Online and other support services.
• Use age verification to prevent underage gambling.
• Display their licence and regulatory information.

Before you sign up, check the casino's Responsible Gambling or Help section. Reputable operators make these tools easy to find and use.

If someone you care about is struggling with gambling:

• Listen without judgment. Problem gambling is a recognised disorder, not a moral failing.
• Encourage them to seek help. Offer to call Gambling Help Online together or attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
• Set boundaries. You cannot force someone to stop gambling, but you can protect your own finances and wellbeing.
• Look after yourself. Gambling Help Online and Lifeline also support family members affected by someone else's gambling.

For more information on responsible gambling and online pokie play, see:

• Gambling Help Online - Free counselling and resources
• Lifeline - Crisis support
• Gamblers Anonymous - Peer support meetings
• ACMA - Australian Communications and Media Authority (online gambling regulation)

Gambling should be fun. If it's not, help is a phone call away.