Responsible Gaming

Gamble for entertainment

Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Games are designed for entertainment, and outcomes are determined by chance or by the rules of the relevant game. Previous results do not predict future results. A winning streak does not mean another win is due, and a loss cannot be recovered by continuing to play.

Only gamble with money you can afford to lose after your essential expenses have been paid. Gambling should not affect your ability to pay for housing, food, bills, education, transport or other important needs. It should also not involve money set aside for savings, debt repayments or the care of family members.

Before opening a game, decide how much time and money you are comfortable spending. Treat that amount as the cost of entertainment rather than an investment. When your limit has been reached, stop playing, whether the result is a win or a loss. Avoid borrowing money, using credit to gamble or selling possessions to fund gambling.

Practical habits for safer play

• Set a spending limit before you begin and do not increase it during a session.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Keep gambling separate from essential household money.
• Do not gamble when you are upset, tired, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
• Keep a record of your deposits, withdrawals and time spent playing so you have a clear view of your activity.
• Do not chase losses by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Balance gambling with work, study, family time, exercise and other interests.
• Remember that a win is not a reason to raise your spending limit.

Use tools to stay in control

Safer gambling tools can help you manage your account and create space between an urge to play and the decision to continue. Depending on the services available through your account, these tools may include deposit limits, spending limits, session reminders, activity statements, temporary breaks and self-exclusion.

A deposit or spending limit can restrict the amount you add or use over a selected period. Choose a limit that reflects your personal budget, not an amount based on a possible win. If you lower a limit, the change may apply promptly. If you ask to increase a limit, the change may be delayed or subject to an additional confirmation period.

A time reminder can help you notice how long you have been playing. Even when a reminder is available, you remain responsible for taking breaks and ending your session. Activity information can help you review your gambling and identify whether your time or spending is increasing.

If you want to stop gambling, consider a temporary break or self-exclusion. Self-exclusion is a stronger measure that restricts access to gambling for a selected period or under the relevant process. During a break or exclusion period, do not try to open another account, use another person’s account or find ways around the restriction. If you request a restriction, read the information provided carefully and follow any required steps.

Choosing a limit

1. Review your income, regular expenses, debts and other financial commitments.
2. Decide what amount, if any, could be used for entertainment without affecting your needs.
3. Set a limit before you play and record it somewhere you can see it.
4. Check your activity regularly rather than relying on memory.
5. Reduce your limit or take a break if your gambling becomes more frequent, more expensive or harder to control.

Recognising when gambling may be a problem

Gambling can become difficult to manage gradually. A concern is not always measured by the amount of money lost. The effect on your mood, relationships, work, study, sleep and financial security is also important. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Consider taking a break and seeking support if you recognise any of the following experiences:

• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling unable to stop.
• Spending more time or money gambling than you originally intended.
• Trying to win back losses by playing again or increasing your stakes.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family, friends or other people you trust.
• Borrowing money, missing payments or selling belongings because of gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable, anxious or low when you try to reduce or stop gambling.
• Gambling to escape personal problems, difficult feelings, loneliness or stress.
• Arguing with people close to you about gambling or neglecting important responsibilities.
• Continuing to gamble despite financial, emotional, work or relationship problems.
• Using gambling to celebrate, cope with disappointment or change your mood.

If any of these signs apply, stop playing and consider using a break or self-exclusion option. Speak openly with someone you trust and seek assistance from an Australian gambling support service, a qualified counsellor, your doctor or another health professional. Support is available for people who gamble and for family members, partners and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

If gambling is causing immediate distress, financial danger or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help through appropriate emergency or crisis services in your area. Your safety comes first. Blackpokies Casino cannot provide medical, financial or crisis counselling, but asking for professional help is an important step.

Protect yourself and others

Gambling accounts are intended for the individual account holder. Keep your login details, payment information and verification information private. Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not use another person’s account. Contact the relevant customer support channel through the website if you believe your account has been accessed without permission or if you need help applying a safer gambling restriction.

People under the legal gambling age must not use gambling services. Do not share devices, passwords or payment methods in a way that could allow a minor to access an account. Parents and carers can use device settings, parental controls and account security features to reduce the chance of underage access. Keep gambling applications and websites away from children and do not ask a minor to place a bet or play a game on your behalf.

Gambling should not be treated as a source of income, a financial plan or a solution to debt. If you are worried about your finances, speak with a qualified financial counsellor or another suitable professional. Avoid making important money decisions while trying to recover gambling losses.

If someone close to you is affected

You may notice changes in a partner, friend or family member before they recognise a problem themselves. Approach the conversation calmly and focus on what you have observed rather than blame. Explain how the behaviour is affecting you or the household, encourage professional support and protect shared finances where appropriate. Do not lend money to cover gambling losses or agree to keep harmful gambling secret. You can seek support for yourself even if the other person is not ready to change.

Our responsible gaming approach

Blackpokies Casino aims to provide information that helps players make informed decisions about gambling. Safer gambling information is not a guarantee that gambling will be risk-free, and no tool can replace your own judgement. The most effective protection is to decide your limits in advance, follow them consistently and stop when gambling is no longer enjoyable or affordable.

If you ask for help with a gambling concern, an account restriction or a self-exclusion request, provide clear information about what you need. We may ask questions to understand the request and explain the options available through the service. Restrictions may affect access to games, deposits, withdrawals or other account functions, depending on the type of request and applicable requirements.

Do not attempt to bypass a restriction by creating another account or using someone else’s details. If you are unsure which option is appropriate, take a complete break from gambling and seek independent support. Review this page regularly, use the safer gambling features available to you and speak with a professional whenever gambling begins to affect your wellbeing or finances.

For further assistance, use the customer support option displayed on the Blackpokies Casino website or contact a recognised Australian gambling support service. Please do not share sensitive personal or payment information in public forums or with anyone claiming to provide unofficial account assistance.