Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Dean Woods, we believe that online pokies and casino gaming should only ever be enjoyed as a form of entertainment. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or replace employment income. The odds are always in favour of the house, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use online pokies and gambling services in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble. By accessing this website and its services, you confirm that you are of legal age to do so in your jurisdiction.
Parents and guardians: if you are concerned about a young person's gambling, please contact Gambling Help Online for advice and support.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling: Keeping your gambling secret from friends and family
- Increasing amounts: Needing to gamble with more money to get the same excitement
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Gambling with borrowed money: Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed funds to gamble
- Loss of control: Being unable to stop or reduce your gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop
- Financial problems: Experiencing debt, unpaid bills, or financial hardship
- Relationship strain: Conflicts with family or friends about your gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools and Safeguards
Most reputable online casinos and pokie sites offer responsible gaming tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log you out after a set period of play
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites
- Account Restrictions: Disable certain features or games if needed
We encourage you to use these tools. You can adjust or remove these limits at any time, but they provide an important safeguard if you feel your gambling is getting out of control.
Support and Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Here are the key support organisations for Australia and internationally:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential support for people concerned about their gambling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7) - Lifeline Australia – Crisis support and counselling
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential gambling support
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – Self-exclusion scheme for UK gambling sites
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Information and support for problem gambling
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – Resources and helpline
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
www.bzga.de
All of these organisations offer confidential support. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If You're Struggling, Seek Help Today
If you or someone close to you is experiencing problems with gambling, please don't suffer in silence. Help is available, and recovery is possible. Contact one of the support organisations above—they are trained professionals who understand problem gambling and can provide confidential assistance.
Remember: Asking for help is the first step towards regaining control. You are not alone.