Last updated: June 2026 — James Wilson, Doctorpeki
At Doctorpeki, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable, entertaining experience. James Wilson and the entire Doctorpeki team are genuinely committed to promoting responsible gambling across Australia. We understand that for some players, gambling can move beyond entertainment and become a serious problem. This page exists because we care deeply about every person who visits doctorpeki.com, and we want to make sure you have the tools, knowledge, and support you need to stay in control.
Please read this page carefully. Bookmark it. Share it with someone you trust. The information here could make a real difference.
Responsible gambling means making informed, conscious decisions about when, how long, and how much you play. It means treating every dollar spent as the cost of entertainment, never as an investment or a way to recover losses. When gambling stops feeling fun and starts feeling necessary, that is a sign that something has changed and that you may need support.
Problem gambling does not always look the same for every person. However, there are common warning signs that suggest gambling may be causing harm. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you.
If you recognised yourself in two or more of these points, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help. There is no shame in doing so. Thousands of Australians seek support every year and go on to rebuild healthy, fulfilling lives.
Use this quick checklist as a starting point for an honest conversation with yourself about your gambling habits.
If you answered no to any of these questions, it may be time to take a step back and consider using the practical tools listed below.
Most licensed Australian online casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits directly within your account settings. Setting a deposit limit before you start playing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your spending under control. Once set, limits typically take effect immediately, while requests to increase them are subject to a mandatory waiting period.
Reality check features send you a pop-up notification after a set period of play, reminding you how long you have been active and how much you have spent or won. Enabling this feature helps break the immersive nature of online pokies and encourages you to make a conscious decision about whether to continue.
A cooling-off period allows you to temporarily pause your account for a chosen duration, such as 24 hours, one week, or one month. During this time you cannot log in or make deposits. This is a helpful tool if you feel you need a short break without committing to permanent self-exclusion.
Self-exclusion is a formal agreement between you and an online casino to block your access to the platform for an extended period. In Australia, the National Self-Exclusion Register and individual state-based programs allow you to self-exclude from multiple venues and online platforms simultaneously. This is an important step for anyone who feels their gambling has become unmanageable. Contact your casino's support team or visit your state's gambling authority to begin the process.
If you or someone you know needs help right now, please reach out to one of these free, confidential services available in Australia.
The following organisations provide world-class resources, counselling referrals, and support for people affected by problem gambling.
Doctorpeki operates a strict 18 years and older policy. All content published on doctorpeki.com is intended exclusively for adults of legal gambling age in Australia. We do not knowingly promote gambling to minors. If you believe someone under the age of 18 is accessing gambling content, please use parental control tools such as Net Nanny or Gamban to restrict access on shared devices.
We review online pokies to help Australian players make informed choices. That responsibility does not end at game ratings and bonus comparisons. It extends to making sure every visitor to doctorpeki.com understands that their wellbeing comes first, always. If you ever feel that gambling is no longer fun, please stop playing and reach out for help. You are not alone, and support is available right now.