Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
At purposeful.org.au, we believe online poker should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Poker involves risk, and losses are always possible. We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and within their means.
Age Verification
Online poker in Australia is only available to players aged 18 years and over. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before participating in any gambling activities.
Licensed operators are required to verify player age and identity. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or play.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses — trying to recover money lost by gambling more
- Gambling with increasing amounts — needing to bet more to get the same excitement
- Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Hiding gambling activity — being secretive about time spent or money wagered
- Borrowing money to gamble — using loans, credit cards, or borrowed funds
- Failed attempts to cut back — wanting to stop but unable to reduce gambling
- Mood changes — becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Financial stress — unpaid bills, debt, or relationship problems linked to gambling
- Lying about gambling — downplaying losses or time spent gambling
- Gambling to escape problems — using poker to cope with stress, anxiety, or other difficulties
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection
Responsible online poker operators offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits — Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a given period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits — Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before automatically stopping play
- Reality Checks — Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Self-Exclusion — Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator's platform for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure — Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
- Time Limits — Set session time limits to prevent extended play
We recommend speaking with your chosen operator about these tools and setting limits that work for you.
Support & Help Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential support is available:
Australia
Gambling Help Online
Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia.
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call, 24/7)
United Kingdom
GamStop
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling operators.
Canada
Responsible Gambling Council
Evidence-based resources and support for problem gambling.
United States
National Council on Problem Gambling
Information and referral services for problem gambling.
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Take Action Today
If you think you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. There is no shame in asking for help.
Contact one of the support services listed above, speak with a trusted friend or family member, or visit your doctor for guidance.
Enjoy poker responsibly. Play within your limits. Have fun.