Understanding Gambling Risk
Most people who gamble do so without developing problems. They set a budget, play within it, and treat it as entertainment on the same level as a cinema ticket or a night out. For some people, gambling stops being that. Understanding why helps.
How gambling affects the brain
Gambling triggers the brain's reward system in a similar way to other pleasurable activities — it releases dopamine. The anticipation of a win can be as stimulating as the win itself, which is why near-misses feel compelling. Over time, the brain can adapt to this stimulation and require more of it to feel the same response. This is not a character flaw — it is neurochemistry.
Who is at higher risk
Problem gambling can affect anyone, but certain factors increase vulnerability. These include a family history of gambling problems, history of other addictive behaviours, periods of stress, depression, or anxiety, financial pressure, or using gambling as a primary form of social interaction. Being aware of these factors does not mean you cannot gamble — it means being more intentional about monitoring your behaviour.
The difference between recreational and problem gambling
Recreational gambling
- Plays with money they can afford to lose
- Can stop when they choose to
- Losses do not significantly affect mood or daily life
- Gambling is one of many leisure activities
- Does not think about gambling when doing other things
Problem gambling
- Chases losses with more gambling
- Finds it difficult to stop or set limits
- Lies to family or friends about gambling
- Borrows money or sells belongings to fund gambling
- Gambling is the primary source of excitement or escape
Warning Signs
These are the signs that gambling may be becoming a problem. They apply to you or to someone you care about.
Financial Signs
- Spending more than planned, regularly
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting bills, rent, or essential expenses
Emotional Signs
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, depression, or difficult emotions
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after gambling but continuing anyway
- Mood swings tied to gambling wins and losses
Behavioural Signs
- Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back what was lost
- Increasing bet sizes to maintain the same level of excitement
- Being unable to stop when you intended to
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money is spent
Relational Signs
- Prioritising gambling over time with family or friends
- Arguments about money or time spent gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school
- Withdrawing from social activities that do not involve gambling
Recognising these signs in yourself does not mean you have failed. It means you are paying attention. The earlier you act, the more straightforward the path back looks. Contact our support team or call 1800 858 858 — free, confidential, 24/7.
Self-Assessment
Answer these questions honestly. They are based on internationally recognised problem gambling screening tools (the PGSI — Problem Gambling Severity Index). No data is collected from this page.
In the past 12 months, have you...
Bet more than you could afford to lose?
Needed to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement?
Gone back to win back money you had lost?
Borrowed money or sold something to pay for gambling?
Felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
Had people criticise your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem?
Felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
Felt that gambling has caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
Felt that you might lose control of your gambling?
How to read your answers
If you answered yes to one or two questions occasionally, you are a low-risk player — staying aware is enough. If you answered yes to three to seven, you may be a moderate-risk player and should consider using our player controls. If you answered yes to eight or more, please reach out to a support service — you deserve proper help.
This is a screening tool only, not a clinical diagnosis. If you are concerned about your gambling, speaking with a trained counsellor will give you a much clearer picture than any checklist.
Your Player Controls
All of the following tools are available in your account settings. They are free to use, take effect immediately, and are there because we want you to use them — not because the licence requires us to offer them.
Deposit Limits
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit. Limits take effect immediately when you reduce them. Increasing a limit requires a 24-hour cooling-off period — this is intentional.
Loss Limits
Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a given period. Once reached, the system will prevent further play until the period resets. Separate from deposit limits — protects against losing a full deposit quickly.
Session Time Limits
Set how long you can play in a single session. When the time is up, you will receive a notification and the option to log out. Useful for players who lose track of time during long sessions.
Reality Checks
Receive a pop-up notification at regular intervals showing how long you have been playing and your net position for the session. A neutral reminder that interrupts the flow and brings perspective.
Cool-Off Period
Take a break of 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. During this time your account remains open but you cannot log in or make deposits. You can still request a withdrawal of your remaining balance.
Self-Exclusion
Request a minimum 6-month or permanent exclusion from the platform. Self-exclusion is processed immediately and is irreversible for the duration of the period. All marketing is stopped. Your balance is returned. Contact support to initiate this at any time.
To access any of these tools, log in to your account and navigate to the Responsible Gambling section in your account settings. If you cannot find what you need, contact our support team via live chat and they will set it up for you directly — no questions asked.
Protecting Others
Protecting children and minors
If you share a device with children or young people, please ensure that your Uptown Pokies Casino account is protected with a strong password and that you log out after every session. We recommend enabling parental controls on any shared device.
Parental control software can block access to gambling sites across all browsers. Some options available in Australia include:
- Net Nanny — available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Qustodio — cross-platform with detailed monitoring and gambling category blocking
- Circle — network-level filtering for home Wi-Fi that blocks gambling sites across all connected devices
- Built-in screen time features in iOS (Screen Time) and Android (Digital Wellbeing) can restrict app and browser usage
If you are concerned about someone else
Watching someone struggle with gambling is difficult. You cannot force another person to get help, but you can make information available and set clear boundaries about money. Some principles that tend to help:
- Do not pay gambling debts on their behalf — this removes a natural consequence and enables continued gambling
- Be direct about what you have observed without shame or accusations — describe behaviour, not character
- Suggest specific support resources rather than general advice to 'stop'
- Take care of your own wellbeing — support services exist for families too
Gambling Help Online offers support for families and friends of problem gamblers at gamblinghelponline.org.au or by phone on 1800 858 858.
Gambling Myths vs Reality
Certain beliefs about gambling are common and consistently wrong. Understanding why these are false is useful — they are the kind of thinking that leads people into trouble.
Helplines & Support
All of the services below are free and confidential. You do not need to be in crisis to call — early conversations are easier than later ones.
Uptown Pokies Casino is strictly for players aged 18 and over. Gambling involves real money and real risk. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never use gambling to cope with emotional distress. If gambling has stopped being fun, it has stopped being safe.
Further Reading
These organisations publish evidence-based information on gambling, problem gambling, and treatment options. All links open external sites.
Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC)
Government-funded research into gambling harm in Australia
Gambling Help Online — Resources Library
Fact sheets, self-help guides, and tools for players and families
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
Policy, research, and consumer resources from Victoria
NSW Office of Responsible Gambling
State-level resources and support finder for NSW players
GamCare — How Gambling Works
Clear explanations of RTP, odds, and the mechanics of gambling products
Gambling Research Australia
Academic research into gambling behaviour and treatment effectiveness