Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Susie Lochhead, we believe that online pokies and casino gaming should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means.
Please remember: the house always has an edge, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online pokies and casino gaming. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and take this responsibility seriously.
If you are under 18, please do not use our site. If you suspect someone under 18 is accessing gaming sites, please report this to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs in yourself or others:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling from family or friends
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Increasing bets: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Loss of control: Being unable to stop or cut back on gambling
- Borrowing money: Taking out loans or borrowing to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems
- Lying about gambling: Dishonest about the extent of your gambling activities
- Relationship conflict: Arguments with loved ones about gambling habits
If you recognise any of these signs, it's time to seek help.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable online gaming sites offer tools to help you stay in control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders during gaming sessions to take breaks and reflect on your play
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gaming for a specified period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from a gaming site
- Account Closure: Close your account if you decide to stop gambling online
We strongly encourage you to use these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic. Most reputable operators make these features easily accessible in your account settings.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are the main support organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential support service with counselling and resources for Australians affected by problem gambling. - Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Crisis support and counselling for people in emotional distress. - Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (24/7)
Support for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may be linked to gambling.
International Support
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a gambling problem, or if someone you care about does, please reach out for support today. Problem gambling is a serious issue, but it is treatable, and recovery is possible.
There is no shame in seeking help. Counsellors and support services are trained, confidential, and available to assist you at any time.
Susie Lochhead is committed to promoting responsible gaming. We support the services listed above and encourage all users to gamble responsibly.