How to Stop Playing Pokies Online
If you’re looking for a practical guide on how to stop playing pokies, this is it.
Excessive online slot sessions can lead to financial problems, relationship issues and mental health concerns. So, it’s crucial to learn to stay in control of your gaming behaviour or quit it for good. In this article, we provide some effective ways to help people who are struggling with their gambling. Keep reading to learn how to break free from pokies online.
How to Stop Gambling Pokies: Self-Help Advice
Realise there is a problem, and it harms you and the people around you. Accepting the problem will give you the power to deal with it. Understanding how detrimental it is to your life and well-being will help you overcome it. Calculate the amount of money you’ve lost, document losses and other adverse impacts of gambling. Face your realities – it's pretty sobering.
Here are other tips on how to quit pokies and other casino games to regain control of your life:
The next step is to make a conscious decision to put an end to this toxic "relationship." An addict has to want to change for the better (neither explanations nor pleading will force them to do so). Create an action plan that will help you enter a new stage of your life and strictly adhere to it.
Firstly, liquidate active gaming accounts and delete casino apps from all devices. Many Aus online casinos provide a multi-level system, allowing a punter to freeze their profile for a certain period or forever. Opt out of marketing emails as well.
Secondly, stop following all game-related forums where you used to be an active member. If your social circle includes other addicts, explain your intentions to quit pokies and break ties with them.
And thirdly, get a grip on your finances: close down credit cards and e-wallet accounts. If you play offline, try not to keep cash.
It is paramount to find out what drives you towards gambling. Think about what’s happening in your life that could trigger the urge to spin reels. Are you going through a rough period at work? Are you worried about your current relationship or a lack of finances? Maybe gambling is just some sort of painkiller for you.
Once you figure out the reasons behind your obsession, you’ll quickly learn how to stop playing pokies and alter your life.
For that, it is crucial to understand what specific needs you fulfil playing slots for real money. Try extreme sports if you are driven to spin reels by a lack of excitement, adrenaline and intense emotions. For example, rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, etc.
If pokies are your escape from boredom, you can push them out of your life by doing something else. Find another hobby, consider learning a new skill. All in all, you should pack your free time with activities that will compensate for the vivid emotions and endorphins you get from betting.
If you feel like gambling, talk to someone you trust about your problems. This could be your close friend, family member or counsellor. There are support groups, counselling services and helplines for Australians to ask for help. Don't be ashamed of that: any adequate support will prove useful and reduce your stress.
You will find a list of dedicated organisations at the end of this article. Their services are free and confidential.
And finally, be prepared to deal with relapses. If this does happen, track what provoked it to rule out the triggers in the future. Don't expect quick results: breaking the cycle can take some time.
These self-help measures will help you give up playing online pokies. Or, at least transform from a problem player to a responsible one. Yet, they are effective for episodic and mild gambling addiction. If the situation is close to critical, you must immediately seek professional help.
Self-Exclusion and Other Blockers
Deciding to ban yourself is a good way to take control over your gambling passion. Licensed online casinos in Australia provide an opportunity to block user accounts (also called self-exclusion). This option allows you to suspend your profile for the desired period – like a week or month – until the emotions subside. It's also possible to close it permanently.
There is a faster way how to stop gambling pokies online. Since 2023, BetStop has been operating in the country. This free register excludes a person from all casino sites that present a risk for them and prevent them from receiving marketing materials. Users can choose an exclusion period ranging from 3 months to a lifetime.
Plus, there are gambling-specific blocking services, browser extensions and software to download to smartphones or desktop computers. For example, BetStop, BetBlocker, Gamban, Gamblock and others. Such services limit access to casino websites/apps and thus help stop your craving for just one more win. Note that some software includes a charge.
Of course, the above should not be seen as a single solution to a gambling problem. But self-exclusion and blocking software are great ways to slow you down and give time to develop healthy habits.
The Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gamblers manage to keep the harmful habit a secret month by month. Moreover, obsession with pokies is often outside their conscious awareness.
Here are the clearest signs indicating that the situation must be addressed urgently:
- repetitively thinking about playing slots and talking about them often;
- casino games become a single remedy to cheer up and distract from sad thoughts;
- inner willingness to jeopardise personal relationships, career or education to satisfy gambling needs;
- a tendency to borrow (sometimes even extort) money to turn luck around and repay debts.
If you, or someone you know, tick each box, it’s high time to seek help. The longer people struggle with gambling, the greater the risk of getting completely bogged down in the situation.
Where to Turn for Help to Quit Pokies
If you feel you are unable to control your gambling habits on your own, reach out for help. In Australia, there are various resources and helplines available for such individuals.
| Gamble Aware | On the site, Aussies will find a lot of useful information on how to stop playing pokies and break the vicious circle. |
| Gamblers Anonymous | This is a global fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and help each other overcome problem gambling. |
| Gambling Help Online | Free online support for Australians affected by real money slots and other casino entertainment. |
| Gambler’s Help | Call 1800 858 858 (national helpline) or chat with a counsellor on the site. Youthline for individuals under 25 – 1800 262 376. |
| Gambling Help WA | This is a free service that offers a supportive environment for problem players and their families. |
| Lifeline | One can call them on 13 11 14 or chat online 24/7 to get assistance from a trained Crisis Supporter. |
Let's recap. Always play responsibly and consider online slots as entertainment rather than a source of income. Never chase losses – it’s a false hope due to "house edge." And, if you realise you’re in trouble, do not hesitate to ask for help. Hopefully, this article helps you or the people around you gain back control 💚
FAQ
Endorphins and adrenaline released during the game stimulate our nervous system and thus invigorate the body. Even unsuccessful sessions bring great satisfaction to many. Winnings also matter though. A punter visits online casinos as they want to experience that euphoric feeling again and again. And this burning need can gradually lead to addiction.
This is a worldwide organisation that focuses on preventing and treating the adverse impact of gambling on people.
In August 2023, Australia's federal government launched BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register. Thanks to it, Aussies can limit their access to online casinos nationwide by filling out just one form. Besides, each iGaming site separately offers a self-exclusion option. All you have to do is write to support and ask them to close your profile due to addiction.
