Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Skoon Living, we believe that online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it with a responsible mindset and set realistic expectations about outcomes.

Remember: the house always has a mathematical edge. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essentials like rent, bills, or food.

Age Verification

Online pokies are strictly for adults only. In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and verifying the age of all players before they access our platforms.

If you are under 18, or if someone in your care may be accessing gaming sites inappropriately, please seek help from local authorities or support services.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time/money spent
• Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
• Neglecting family, work, school, or other important responsibilities
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Relationship conflict related to gambling habits
• Physical symptoms such as sleep problems or headaches

If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Limits

Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control over your gaming. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Establish a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
• Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum bet size per spin or session
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during gaming sessions showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Time-Out/Cooling-Off Period: Take a mandatory break from gaming for a set period without closing your account
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your account and exclude yourself from accessing gaming sites

Use these tools proactively. Setting limits before you start playing is an effective way to protect yourself and maintain responsible gaming habits.

Support Organizations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organisations in Australia and internationally:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  1800 858 858 (free call)

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Counselling and support for problem gambling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop – Self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council – Education and support for responsible gaming
  www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Resources and helpline for problem gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org
  1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
  www.bzga.de

All of these organizations offer confidential, non-judgmental support. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If You Need Help

Problem gambling is a real issue, but recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about is struggling:

• Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7 support in Australia)
• Use self-exclusion tools available on gaming platforms to take a break
• Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor
• Seek professional help from a mental health provider

You are not alone. Help is available, and it's never too late to take control of your gaming habits. Reach out today.