Responsible Gaming

Last updated: 2026

1. Gambling Is Entertainment, Not Income

At michaelgeedrick.com, we believe that playing casino pokies online should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Gambling outcomes are determined by chance, and the odds are always structured in favour of the operator over the long term. You should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose, and you should treat any losses as the cost of entertainment, just like buying a ticket to a concert or sporting event.

If gambling stops being fun, it is time to stop.

2. Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in Australia. It is illegal for any person under the age of 18 to participate in any form of gambling, including online pokies and casino games. All reputable online casinos and betting operators are required to verify the age and identity of their customers.

We encourage parents and guardians to take active steps to prevent underage access, including:

• Using parental control software (e.g., Net Nanny, Qustodio) to block gambling sites
• Keeping account passwords and payment details private
• Not leaving devices logged into gambling accounts unattended
• Talking openly with young people about the risks of gambling

3. Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually and affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:

• ☐ Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you have lost
• ☐ Hiding or lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
• ☐ Gambling with money meant for essentials such as rent, bills, or food
• ☐ Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• ☐ Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop
• ☐ Gambling to escape stress, depression, or personal problems
• ☐ Neglecting work, study, family, or social commitments because of gambling
• ☐ Thinking about gambling constantly or planning your next session
• ☐ Increasing bet sizes to feel the same level of excitement
• ☐ Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit

If you ticked even one or two of these boxes, it may be worth speaking to a professional counsellor. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in Australia.

4. Self-Help Tools

All licensed online casinos we recommend offer responsible gambling tools. We strongly encourage you to use them proactively — before problems arise:

• Deposit Limits — Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.
• Loss Limits — Restrict the total amount you can lose within a set period.
• Wager Limits — Cap the size of individual bets or total stakes.
• Reality Checks — Enable on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Session Time Limits — Automatically log out after a chosen period.
• Cooling-Off Periods — Take a short break (24 hours to several weeks) from your account.
• Self-Exclusion — Block yourself from a casino for six months or longer. In Australia, you can also register with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, which blocks you from all licensed Australian online wagering providers.

Practical everyday steps also help: never gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs; never gamble with borrowed money; and balance gambling with other hobbies and social activities.

5. Support Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these trusted organizations provide free and confidential support:

Australia (Primary Support for Our Visitors)

• Gambling Help Online — Free 24/7 counselling, live chat, and support across Australia. Visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.
• BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register — Block yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering services. Visit www.betstop.gov.au.
• Lifeline Australia — 24/7 crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

International Resources

• United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk; GamStop self-exclusion — www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org (call or text 1-800-GAMBLER)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — gambling addiction helpline 0800 137 27 00

6. Take the First Step Today

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If gambling is no longer fun, if it is causing stress in your relationships, or if you are losing more than you can afford — please reach out now. Counselling through Gambling Help Online is free, confidential, anonymous, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1800 858 858 today.

Recovery is possible, and support is always there when you need it. Play responsibly — and remember, when the fun stops, stop.