Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online poker should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While poker can be exciting and engaging, it's important to approach it with realistic expectations and maintain control over your play. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online poker and other gambling activities. mychoice.org.au is committed to verifying the age of all players and prohibiting access to minors. If you are under 18, please do not use our services.

Parents and guardians: If you're concerned about a young person's gaming habits, please contact the support organizations listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:

• Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding Your Gambling: Being secretive about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Spending More Than Intended: Regularly gambling longer or with more money than planned
• Feeling Anxious or Irritable: Becoming stressed when unable to gamble
• Gambling to Escape: Using poker to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions
• Financial Difficulties: Borrowing money or facing debt because of gambling
• Failed Attempts to Stop: Repeatedly trying to cut back or quit without success
• Tolerance: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement
• Relationship Conflict: Arguments with friends or family about your gambling habits

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features

Most reputable online poker operators offer tools to help you stay in control. Consider using:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications during play reminding you how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
• Time Limits: Set automatic session time limits to encourage regular breaks
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling platforms
• Account Cooling-Off: Request a mandatory break from your account for a set period
• Budget Tracking: Review your spending history and set personal budgets

mychoice.org.au encourages all players to use these tools. If your operator does not offer these features, consider choosing one that does.

Support Organizations in Australia & Beyond

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact one of these trusted organizations:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free counselling and support services for people concerned about their gambling or someone else's.
• Lifeline Australia
  Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
  Email: crisis@lifeline.org.au
  General crisis support and referrals to gambling help services.

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Free, confidential support for problem gamblers and their families.
• GamStop
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling operators.

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
  Evidence-based research and resources for responsible gambling.

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7, confidential, free)

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. There is no shame in seeking help, and support is available.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling:

• Contact Gambling Help Online for Australian support
• Call Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (available 24/7)
• Speak with a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare provider
• Use self-exclusion tools immediately to restrict access to gambling
• Seek professional counselling from a qualified therapist or gambling specialist

Recovery is possible, and you don't have to face this alone. Take the first step today.

mychoice.org.au is committed to promoting responsible gaming. This page was last updated in 2026. For the most current support resources and information, please visit the organizations listed above.