Responsible Gambling Resources

Responsible gambling means treating pokies as entertainment with a cost, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. It involves:

• Playing only with money you can afford to lose.
• Setting clear limits on time and spending before you start.
• Taking regular breaks.
• Never chasing losses.
• Keeping gambling separate from essential expenses like rent, bills, or food.

Big Red's high volatility means you may experience long periods without a feature win. Responsible play means accepting these dry spells without increasing bets to "force" a win.

Before you play Big Red, decide:

1. Spending limit - How much AUD are you willing to lose in this session? Stop when you reach it, whether you're ahead or behind.
2. Time limit - How long will you play? Set a timer and stick to it.
3. Loss limit - If you hit a certain loss threshold, walk away for the day.
4. Win goal - If you hit a strong feature win, consider cashing out a portion (or all) of your profit instead of reinvesting it.

Many online casinos and venues offer deposit limits, session limits, and loss limits as built-in tools. Use them.

If any of these apply to you, seek help:

• You gamble more often or with larger amounts than intended.
• You feel anxious or irritable when you're not gambling.
• You've lied to family or friends about how much you gamble.
• You gamble to escape stress, sadness, or other difficult feelings.
• You've borrowed money or used credit to fund gambling.
• Gambling is affecting your work, relationships, or finances.
• You've tried to cut back or quit but can't.

Problem gambling can develop quickly, even if you started as a casual player. Early help is more effective than waiting until the situation becomes severe.

[!RISK] Online gambling carries financial risk. Australian players should only use licensed, regulated venues for real-money pokies. If gambling stops being fun or you're spending more than you can afford to lose, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, confidential, 24/7).

Gambling Help Online

• Phone: 1800 858 858 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Service: Free, confidential counselling and referrals to local support services.
• Available to: All Australians, regardless of state.

Lifeline Australia

• Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Website: www.lifeline.org.au
• Service: Crisis support and counselling; can help with gambling-related distress.

State-Specific Services

All state services feed into the national Gambling Help Online number, so you can call 1800 858 858 from anywhere in Australia.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary ban that prevents you from accessing a gambling venue or online casino for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years).

In Pubs and Clubs

• Ask a staff member or manager for a self-exclusion form.
• You'll be added to a register; the venue is legally required to refuse you entry and block your account.
• Self-exclusion is binding - you cannot withdraw it early, even if you change your mind.
• If you try to enter a venue where you're self-excluded, staff may ask you to leave or contact police.

Online Casinos

Most offshore casinos accept self-exclusion requests via:

• Account settings - Look for "Self-Exclusion" or "Responsible Gambling" options in your player dashboard.
• Email - Contact support with a clear request to self-exclude.
• Phone - Call the casino's support line.

Self-exclusion at one online casino does not automatically exclude you from others. You must request it at each site separately.

National Self-Exclusion Register (Australia)

Some states operate national or multi-venue self-exclusion registers that cover multiple venues at once. Ask at your local pub or contact your state's gambling regulator (e.g., Liquor & Gaming NSW, VCGLR Victoria) for details.

Big Red is a high-volatility game, so:

• Play lower denominations to extend your session and reduce the speed of losses.
• Use free-play demos (available at VoguePlay, VegasSlotsOnline, Pokies.fun) to practice before risking real money.
• Never chase losses - if you've lost your session budget, stop. The next spin is not "owed" to you.
• Take breaks - step away from the machine or screen every 30 minutes.
• Don't gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs; it impairs judgment.
• Avoid playing alone if possible; a friend can help you stick to your limits.

Gambling problems often co-occur with depression, anxiety, and substance use. If you're struggling with your mental health, reach out to:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (www.beyondblue.org.au)
• Headspace: 1800 650 890 (for under-25s)
• Your GP or local mental health service

Many counsellors at Gambling Help Online are trained to address both gambling and mental health concerns.

If someone you know has a gambling problem, you can:

• Encourage them to call Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
• Set boundaries - don't lend them money or cover their debts.
• Avoid judgment - problem gambling is a recognised disorder, not a moral failing.
• Seek support for yourself - organisations like Gambling Help Online also support family members.

Big Red is entertainment. If you choose to play it in a pub, club, or online, do so with money you can afford to lose and limits you can stick to. If gambling ever feels out of control, help is available immediately and confidentially.

Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 anytime, day or night.