Responsible Gambling
Dragon Link Pokies AU is committed to promoting responsible gambling. Pokies should be an entertaining pastime — not a source of financial stress or personal harm. This page provides tools, resources, and guidance to help you stay in control.
Know the Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling becomes a problem when it interferes with your finances, relationships, mental health, or daily life. Warning signs include:
- Spending more money or time on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses after a losing session
- Borrowing money to fund gambling
- Lying to family or friends about gambling habits
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Tips for Safer Play
- Set a budget – Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start, and stick to it
- Set time limits – Use a timer or calendar reminder to cap your session length
- Never chase losses – Losses are part of the game; accepting them prevents spiralling
- Play for entertainment – Treat pokies like cinema tickets, not an investment
- Avoid alcohol – Impaired judgment increases risky betting behaviour
- Take regular breaks – Step away from the screen every 30–60 minutes
- Use casino tools – Most licensed AU casinos offer deposit limits, session limits, and self-exclusion
Get Help in Australia
If you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, these free services are available 24/7:
- Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au | 1800 858 858
- Lifeline Australia: lifeline.org.au | 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au | 1300 22 4636
- BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org
- GamCare: gamcare.org.uk
Self-Exclusion
All licensed online casinos operating in Australia are required to offer self-exclusion tools. You can request to be excluded from a specific casino for a set period (typically 6 months to permanent). Contact the casino's support team to activate self-exclusion.
Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to stop.