Responsible Gambling Resources & Support

Responsible gambling means:

• Playing only with money you can afford to lose.
• Setting strict limits on time and money before you start.
• Understanding that pokies are games of chance, not ways to make money.
• Recognising warning signs of problem gambling early.
• Using available tools to stay in control.

Pokies like Double Happiness are designed for entertainment. The house edge (in Double Happiness, a 93.06% RTP) means that over time, players lose money on average. Accepting this reality helps you play within safe boundaries.

Most reputable online casinos and land-based venues offer built-in limit tools. Use them before you play.

Deposit Limits

Set a maximum amount you'll deposit in a day, week or month. Once you hit the limit, you cannot deposit more until the period resets. This is the single most effective tool for controlling spending.

Loss Limits

A loss limit stops you from playing once you've lost a set amount. For example, if you set a $50 AUD loss limit and lose $50, the site locks you out for the rest of the session.

Session Time Limits

Set a maximum time you'll play in one sitting (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour). Many casinos send you a reminder when time is up.

Bet Limits

Some venues let you cap the maximum bet per spin. This slows down your spending and gives you more spins for your budget.

Reality Checks

A pop-up reminder that shows how much time you've spent and how much money you've wagered. These appear at intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes) and help you stay aware.

[!TIP] Before playing Double Happiness or any pokie, decide your session budget and set a deposit limit equal to that amount. Once it's gone, stop. Do not chase losses by depositing more.

If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, self-exclusion lets you ban yourself from a casino for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years).

• How it works: You request self-exclusion via the casino's account settings or by contacting support. Your account is frozen; you cannot log in or deposit.
• Duration: Usually 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years. Some sites allow permanent self-exclusion.
• Across multiple sites: Self-exclusion applies only to that casino. If you use multiple platforms, you may need to self-exclude from each one separately.
• National self-exclusion schemes: Some Australian states (e.g., NSW) have schemes that let you self-exclude from multiple venues at once. Check with your state's Gambling Help service.

[!RISK] Online gambling carries financial risk. Self-exclusion is a powerful tool, but it only works if you commit to it. If you've self-excluded and feel tempted to use a different casino or account, contact a helpline immediately.

All services below are free, confidential and available 24/7.

Gambling Help Online (National)

• Phone: 1800 858 858
• Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Services: Counselling, information, referrals to local support.
• Best for: Anyone in Australia seeking help or advice on problem gambling.

Lifeline Australia

• Phone: 13 11 14
• Website: www.lifeline.org.au
• Services: Crisis support, emotional wellbeing counselling.
• Best for: If you're in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts related to gambling losses.

State-Based Services

New South Wales:

• GambleAware NSW: www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
• Counselling and support programs.

Victoria:

• Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation: www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au
• Gambling Help Online (VIC): 1800 858 858 (same national line).

Queensland:

• Gambling Help: 1800 858 858.
• Counselling and self-exclusion support.

South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, ACT, NT:

• All route through Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or state-specific helplines listed on the national GambleAware website.

GambleAware (Education & Resources)

• Website: www.gambleaware.org.au
• Services: Educational resources, self-assessment tools, support directories.
• Best for: Learning about responsible gambling and finding local services.

If you notice any of these, reach out to a helpline:

• Gambling more often or with larger amounts than intended.
• Chasing losses (depositing more money to "win back" what you've lost).
• Neglecting work, family or health because of gambling.
• Lying to friends or family about how much you gamble.
• Feeling anxious or irritable when you can't gamble.
• Using gambling to escape stress, sadness or other difficult feelings.
• Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble.

1. Play in demo mode first. Use free-play versions on VegasSlotsOnline or similar sites to learn the game without risking money.
2. Set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you can afford to lose before you log in. Treat it like the cost of entertainment, not an investment.
3. Avoid the gamble feature on large wins. Double Happiness includes a gamble button that lets you double or quadruple a win by guessing a card's colour or suit. This increases volatility. On big hits, consider collecting instead.
4. Use autoplay cautiously. Autoplay spins can feel "passive" and lead to faster spending. Set a spin limit (e.g., 20 spins) and stick to it.
5. Take breaks. Step away every 30 minutes. Stretch, get water, check the time. This helps you stay aware of how long you've been playing.
6. Never borrow to gamble. Only use money you already have and can afford to lose.
7. Avoid gambling when stressed or upset. Pokies can feel like an escape, but they often make emotional problems worse. If you're struggling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) instead.

If a friend or family member is struggling with gambling:

• Listen without judgment.
• Encourage them to contact Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) or a counsellor.
• Avoid lending them money or covering their debts.
• Set boundaries to protect your own wellbeing.
• Support services like Gambling Help Online also offer advice for families and friends.

Double Happiness is a classic pokie with a low RTP (93.06%) and medium-high volatility. It's designed for entertainment, not profit. By setting limits, using self-exclusion tools when needed, and reaching out for help early, you can enjoy pokies safely.

If you ever feel that gambling is no longer fun or is affecting your life, remember: help is free, confidential and just a phone call away.

• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• GambleAware: www.gambleaware.org.au