Responsible Gaming

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

At officeshopvictor.com.au, we believe that gambling on pokies and other games should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or escape from everyday stress. Gambling involves risk, and the odds are always in favour of the operator in the long run. You should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.

While we provide information about pokies venues and online gambling options in Australia, we are equally committed to promoting safe, responsible gambling practices. If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop — and help is always available.

Age Verification — 18+ Only

You must be at least 18 years of age to gamble in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to participate in any form of gambling, including playing pokies, betting online, or entering a gaming venue.

Licensed Australian gambling operators are required by law to verify the age and identity of their customers. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to:

Use parental control software to block gambling websites on shared devices
Keep login details, passwords, and payment cards secure and out of reach of minors
Talk openly with young people about the risks of gambling
Never gamble in front of children or allow them to participate in gambling activities

Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to serious consequences for both the minor and the account holder.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or income. It often develops gradually, so it's important to recognise the warning signs early. Ask yourself — or someone you care about — the following questions:

Do you chase losses — gambling more to try to win back money you've lost?
Do you hide your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues?
Do you gamble with money meant for essentials like rent, bills, or groceries?
Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund your gambling?
Do you think about gambling constantly, even when you're not playing?
Do you need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement?
Has gambling caused arguments or strained relationships with people you care about?
Do you gamble to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems?
Have you tried to cut down or stop gambling but found you couldn't?
Do you lie about how much time or money you spend gambling?
Have you neglected work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling?
Do you feel guilty, anxious, or irritable after gambling sessions?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, it may be time to reassess your relationship with gambling and consider reaching out for support. Seeking help early makes a real difference.

Self-Help Tools and Player Protection Measures

Licensed gambling operators in Australia offer a range of tools to help you stay in control. We encourage all players to use these features proactively — before problems develop:

Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. Once reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets.
Loss Limits: Cap the total amount you can lose within a set timeframe, helping you stick to a budget.
Wagering Limits: Restrict how much you can bet overall during a given period.
Session Time Limits & Reality Checks: Receive regular on-screen reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent, so you can make informed decisions about whether to continue.
Time-Out / Cooling-Off Periods: Take a short break from gambling — from 24 hours to several weeks — during which your account is suspended.
Self-Exclusion: Block yourself from gambling entirely for a longer period or permanently. In Australia, you can register with BetStop — the National Self-Exclusion Register (www.betstop.gov.au) to exclude yourself from all licensed online wagering services in one step. You can also self-exclude from individual venues, clubs, and casinos through state-based programs.
Activity Statements: Review your full gambling history, including deposits, bets, wins, and losses, to understand your real spending.

Practical tips for staying in control:

Set a budget before you play — and stick to it, win or lose
Set a time limit and take regular breaks
Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Never borrow money to gamble
Balance gambling with other hobbies and activities
Don't chase losses — walk away

Support Organisations in Australia

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free, confidential, and professional help is available 24/7 across Australia:

Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia, including 24/7 online chat, email support, and referral to face-to-face counselling services. National helpline: 1800 858 858.
BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register — www.betstop.gov.au
The Australian Government's official register allowing you to self-exclude from all licensed interactive wagering services in Australia with a single registration.
GambleAware (NSW) — www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
Free counselling and support services for people affected by gambling in New South Wales. Phone: 1800 858 858.
Lifeline Australia — www.lifeline.org.au
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14.
Gambler's Help (Victoria) — www.gamblershelp.com.au
Free, professional, and confidential support for Victorians affected by gambling. Phone: 1800 858 858.

Support is also available for family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling. You do not have to deal with this alone.

Take the First Step Today

Recognising a gambling problem is not a sign of weakness — it's a sign of strength. If gambling is causing you stress, financial difficulty, or harming your relationships, please reach out for help now.

Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 — free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also take immediate action by registering with BetStop to self-exclude from online wagering services, or by speaking with your GP about a referral to a gambling counsellor.

Remember: gambling should be fun. When it stops being fun, stop — and talk to someone who can help.

Last reviewed: 2026 | officeshopvictor.com.au is an independent affiliate information website and does not operate gambling services. Gamble responsibly. 18+ only. Think of the people who need your support.