Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Abliss Clinic, we believe that online pokies and gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or playing sports. Gambling should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the house, and any money spent should be money you can afford to lose.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. By accessing our site, you confirm that you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs in your own behaviour? If so, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding your gambling: Being secretive about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities: Spending less time on work, family, or personal care due to gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut back: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce your gambling
- Using gambling to cope: Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems
- Borrowing money to gamble: Taking loans, using credit cards, or borrowing from friends and family to fund gambling
- Financial problems: Struggling to pay bills or experiencing debt due to gambling
- Relationship strain: Gambling is causing conflict with family or friends
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online gambling operators provide built-in tools to help you maintain control. Consider using:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or time period
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to limit how long you play
- Reality Checks: Enable popup reminders during play to check how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling accounts for a period you choose
Using these tools is a sign of responsible gambling, not weakness. Take control of your gaming experience.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you're concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you know, professional help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Free counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (mental health support)
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk – Free support, advice, and counselling
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org – Evidence-based information and support
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org – Resources and treatment referral helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Information and resources for problem gambling prevention
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help today. There is no shame in reaching out. Professional support is available, and recovery is possible. Contact one of the organisations above – they provide free, confidential assistance.
Your wellbeing matters more than any game. Take the first step towards help now.