Responsible Gambling Information

Responsible gambling means playing within your means, understanding the odds, and recognising when gambling stops being fun. It involves:

• Setting strict time and money limits before you play.
• Never gambling with money you can't afford to lose.
• Taking regular breaks.
• Recognising early warning signs of problem gambling.
• Using available tools to control your play.

Pokies like Geisha are games of pure chance. No strategy, system, or betting pattern can change the outcome. The house edge is built into the RTP (return to player percentage), and every spin is independent.

The most effective harm-minimisation tool is pre-commitment: decide your limits before you start.

1. Set a loss limit - Decide the maximum amount of money you're willing to lose in a session. Once you reach it, stop playing.
2. Set a time limit - Decide how long you'll play (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour). Use a timer if needed.
3. Set a win goal - If you're ahead, decide at what profit level you'll cash out and leave.
4. Use only disposable income - Never gamble with rent, bills, savings, or borrowed money.
5. Avoid chasing losses - If you've lost your session budget, accept it and walk away. Don't try to "win it back."

[!TIP] Many online casinos allow you to set deposit limits, session time limits, and loss caps in your account settings. Use these tools actively.

If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, most reputable online casinos offer self-exclusion options:

• Temporary self-exclusion: Lock your account for a set period (e.g., 7 days, 30 days, 6 months).
• Permanent self-exclusion: Close your account indefinitely.
• Deposit limits: Cap the amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Session time limits: Automatically log you out after a set duration.
• Reality checks: Pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.

When you self-exclude, the casino will not allow you to log in or place bets during the exclusion period. Some casinos also participate in multi-operator self-exclusion schemes, which can block you across multiple sites.

Gambling Help Online (National)

Gambling Help Online is Australia's free, confidential, 24/7 support service for problem gambling.

• Helpline: 1800 858 858 (free call from any phone)
• Website: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Services:
• Counselling (phone, chat, email)
• Self-assessment tools
• Information on local support services
• Referrals to specialist counsellors

State-Based Gambling Help Services

Each state and territory in Australia has its own gambling support service:

All services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental.

Lifeline Australia

If you're struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts related to gambling or other issues:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7, free call)
• Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au

If you experience any of the following, it may be time to seek help:

• Gambling more than you intended or with larger amounts than planned.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you're not gambling.
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or how much you've lost.
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies because of gambling.
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money.
• Feeling that gambling is the only way to cope with stress or negative emotions.

If any of these apply to you, reaching out to Gambling Help Online or your state service is a positive step.

[!RISK] Online gambling carries financial risk. Pokies like Geisha are games of chance with a built-in house edge. You are not guaranteed to win, and you may lose money. If gambling stops being fun or is causing harm, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7, confidential).

If you play Geisha in pubs, clubs, or casinos, Australian venues are required to provide harm-minimisation tools:

• Self-exclusion registers: You can register with your venue or state-wide register to ban yourself from entering.
• Visible signage: Venues must display responsible gambling information and helpline numbers.
• Spin limits and bet caps: Some venues offer player cards with pre-set limits.
• Staff training: Venue staff are trained to identify and assist problem gamblers.

Ask staff at your venue about self-exclusion or limit-setting options.

• Gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
• Set time and money limits before you play.
• Use casino tools: deposit limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion.
• Never chase losses.
• Take regular breaks.
• If gambling becomes a problem, seek help immediately.

Free, confidential support is available 24/7 via Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or your state service. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.