
Plan a pause
Step away from gambling and choose an activity with no stakes or rewards.

Need support now? Independent Australian gambling support is available confidentially when you need it. Find support ↗ Practical guidance for safer play and informed decisions.
Core principles
Gambling can affect finances and emotions. Seeking support early can help, even when there is no immediate crisis.

Step away from gambling and choose an activity with no stakes or rewards.

Keep rent, food, bills and savings separate from any gambling budget.

A trusted person or support service can help with advice, a break or concerns about someone close to you.
Potential risks
Australian players should check whether an online gambling service is lawful and suitable before using it. Read Australian consumer guidance.
Spending limits

Review the account controls available through the cashier. A limit is a boundary for spending, not a target to reach.
Time boundaries
Decide when to finish before you begin and set a reminder away from the gambling screen.
Close the service, silence gambling messages and switch to another activity.
Notice effects on sleep, work, relationships and how often gambling occupies your thoughts.
Repeatedly extending a session or struggling to stop is a good reason to contact support.
Account exclusion
Self-exclusion can put distance between you and a gambling service. Ask about its scope and process instead of assuming one request covers every website.
| Choice | Details to confirm |
|---|---|
| Uptown Pokies self-exclusion | Ask support about the process, duration, account coverage and any restrictions on reopening. |
| National register | Check the register’s official scope to see which Australian licensed online and phone wagering providers it covers. |
| Device and payment blocks | Ask your device or financial provider which blocking tools are available and what they include. |
Read the national register’s scope and registration information directly at Self-exclusion register.
Warning signs
Trying to win back money, raising stakes or continuing after a loss can signal harm.
Borrowing, unpaid bills or difficulty separating gambling from essential spending deserve attention.
Poor sleep, secrecy, conflict or gambling taking priority over work and relationships are warning signs.
These signs warrant support; this guidance does not assess or diagnose your circumstances. Find gambling support Use practical tools and resources to decide what to do next.
Support options

Independent support can provide information and counselling for people across Australia.
Get Bonus Now
Learn about national self-exclusion options and their coverage before registering.
Claim Bonus
Look for Australian Government and state or territory gambling support services.
Play NowYou can also seek help when another person’s gambling affects you. Support can help with boundaries and your wellbeing.
Next action
Confidential independent support can help you consider your next step.
Find support →Close gambling services, pause related messages and choose an activity away from gambling. Support can help you plan ahead.
Plan a pause →Check the scope and registration process of any national self-exclusion option before relying on it.
Review options →Help is available when another person’s gambling affects your wellbeing, relationships or finances.
Seek support →Common questions
At any time. You can seek support before gambling becomes a crisis, including when you are worried about spending or time.
No. A limit is only one part of safer gambling. If boundaries are difficult to maintain, take a break and seek independent support.
Coverage depends on the register and the services included in its official scope. Check the current details before relying on it.
Yes. Independent gambling support can assist people affected by someone else’s gambling as well as the person playing.
More guidance
Safer gambling means treating casino play as paid entertainment, not a way to make money. Losses can happen quickly, and chasing them by increasing stakes or playing longer can increase harm.
Only use money that is not needed for essentials, bills or commitments. Do not gamble when upset or under the influence, or to recover losses. Players in Australia must be at least 18 years old.
Set a personal spending ceiling before a session and record deposits and withdrawals. Keep a separate gambling budget, avoid borrowing and stop when the planned limit is reached.
Uptown Pokies deposit limits and other account controls are not published in the available official information. Contact 24/7 live chat, email or phone support to ask what controls are available.
Promotions can encourage longer sessions or larger deposits, so read each condition before accepting an offer. The current welcome offer is 250% match up to A$2,500 + 50 free spins, with a 30x wagering requirement; check the current terms carefully.
Do not treat bonus funds or free spins as risk-free, and do not deposit more to qualify. Set a stopping point across slots, pokies, table games, live casino and other games. Uptown Pokies offers hundreds of games, so choosing in advance may reduce impulsive switching.
Uptown Pokies self exclusion is an option when gambling feels difficult to control. The available official information does not publish the process, duration or immediate access arrangements, so contact support and ask directly.
Ask how deposits, marketing messages and existing balances are handled during self-exclusion. Remove saved payment details where practical and use device or network blocking tools; available account controls are not stated publicly.
Warning signs include hiding gambling, missing commitments, borrowing, feeling anxious after playing or repeatedly trying to recover losses. Recording time, deposits, withdrawals and mood can make patterns easier to see.
Speak with a trusted person, GP, qualified counsellor, financial counsellor or state or territory gambling-harm service. Seek help promptly if gambling affects safety, housing, finances or relationships, and contact emergency services if there is immediate danger.
For account transparency, the minimum withdrawal is A$50 by bank wire. This is a withdrawal condition, not a recommended gambling budget. Uptown Pokies’ licence is not stated in the available official information.