Responsible Gaming

At crocfestival.org.au, we believe that gambling — including playing pokies — should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or escape financial difficulty. The odds are always in favour of the venue, and over time, players lose more than they win. Please treat gambling as a paid leisure activity, like going to the cinema, and only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose. Last updated: 2026.

Age Verification

Gambling in Australia is strictly restricted to adults aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in a venue or online. We encourage all visitors to our site to verify their age honestly and to use parental controls or filtering software where minors may access shared devices. Licensed Australian venues and operators are required by law to verify the identity and age of their customers.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to pause and seek support:

• Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
• Spending more money or time on pokies than you can afford
• Hiding your gambling from family or friends, or lying about how much you've lost
• Borrowing money, using credit, or selling belongings to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, study, or relationships because of gambling
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed about your gambling
• Gambling to escape stress, boredom, or personal problems
• Thinking about gambling constantly and struggling to cut back

Self-Help Tools

If you choose to gamble, take control with these practical tools offered by licensed Australian venues and online operators:

• Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits: Cap how much you can lose in a session or set period.
• Time limits and reality checks: Receive on-screen reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
• Self-exclusion: Ban yourself from venues or online gambling sites. Australians can register with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register for online and phone wagering.
• Pre-commitment systems: Many venues allow you to set limits on pokies play before you start.

Support Organisations

Free, confidential help is available 24/7 in Australia:

• Gambling Help Online — free 24/7 counselling, live chat, and resources for people affected by gambling. Visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858.
• BetStop – National Self-Exclusion Register — exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering services. Visit www.betstop.gov.au.
• Gamblers Anonymous Australia — peer support groups across the country. Visit www.gaaustralia.org.au.

International resources: GamCare (UK, www.gamcare.org.uk), GamStop (UK, www.gamstop.co.uk), Responsible Gambling Council (Canada, www.responsiblegambling.org), and the National Council on Problem Gambling (US, www.ncpgambling.org).

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Now

If gambling is no longer fun, or you're worried about yourself or someone you care about, please reach out today. Call 1800 858 858 for free, confidential, 24/7 support from Gambling Help Online, or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. Asking for help is a sign of strength — support is free, judgement-free, and always available.

Bet with your head, not over it. Gamble responsibly.