Online pokies and gambling games have a lot of enticing mechanics to draw players in. While this is certainly a way to get people engaged in playing, it could potentially lead to problems for those unaware of the various systems and how they might affect them. We want all our users to know more about responsible gambling and how to practice it.
You should aim to simply have a good time at casino sites. The goal shouldn't be to make money, as there's no way to guarantee a win. There are several ways to limit how much you play online, and while not every way is suited to every player, it's always worth taking the necessary steps to prevent the development of a gambling problem.
The Australian team at Casino Frog has put together a guide aimed at helping you understand how to gamble responsibly, and what steps and precautions you could take. We've also linked resources if you need further help and information, or if you feel ready to take action.
Problem gambling explained
Gambling, in general, can be pretty addictive. There are a lot of uplifting themes, excitement and interesting sounds. It's easy to lose track of time. Online gambling is certainly a fun activity, and we love it. However, we do take problem gambling seriously, and so should you.
Accepting a loss is important, as trying to win it back can potentially turn into an issue. Never chase your losses. The main goal should be to enjoy yourself and play for fun. It'll reduce stress and make every win feel even more satisfying. When it stops being fun, that's when you should be really concerned about problem gambling.
Problem gambling happens when you feel the need to play. You'll feel that you need to win back money that you lost, or that you need to turn gambling into a way to earn an income, to pay the bills. It's a feeling you should never have when you play online, but some can't help it. Luckily, there's help available for those who are ready to accept that they might have a gambling problem. If not, there are also ways to prevent problem gambling from happening in the first place, such as creating a solid budget.
How to gamble responsibly
There are different ways to gamble responsibly in Australia, and it's up to you to find which method suits you the best. Make sure that you take the matter seriously and analyse your own online gaming behaviour. Contemplate whether you need to reconsider how much you spend on online gambling, or if you just need less screen time.
Creating a budget
With an online gambling budget, you'll gain more control the over money spent on casino sites. Start with a small, affordable budget and adjust the amount based on your own judgement. Budgets are a great way to play with a good conscience, but only as long as you are actually sticking to it.
Set some money aside for online gambling purposes. It's up to you whether you want this amount to be daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly. Other than being able to stick to the budget, it's also essential that the money you use isn't accessed via another budget – such as money used for paying for food, bills or other important things.
Restricting access
If you're having a hard time keeping your hands off of a casino site, you can opt to block yourself from the site. Most casinos will offer tools for the player to restrict their own access with, for a set period. If this feature is unavailable, you can always contact their support to achieve the same thing.
Resources for problem gambling in Australia
Are you, or someone close to you in need of help to fight problem gambling? Then you can reach out to one of the many resources available to residents of Australia. You can overcome problem gambling with the right treatment and get your life back together.
Australians can receive the right treatment by turning to the following organisations:
Finally, gambling is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable activity. If it ever develops into something destructive, don’t hesitate to reach out and get the help you deserve.