The Pokies is committed to endorsing responsible wagering among its customers as well as promoting the awareness of problem gambling and improving prevention, intervention and treatment.
The Pokies Responsible Gambling Policy sets out its commitment to minimizing the negative effects of problem gambling and to promoting responsible gambling practices.
The Pokies supports the generation of online gamblers offering them a wide range of games and entertainment. We also take responsibility for our product line-up. The aim of ThePokies is to provide the world's safest and most innovative gaming platform for adults. The offered clear and safe products allow each user to play within his financial means and to receive the highest quality service. Integrity, fairness and reliability are the guiding principles of ThePokies's work. It is therefore clear that ThePokies should do its best to avoid and reduce the problems which can arise from participation in gambling, particularly in cases of immoderate playing. At the same time, it is important to respect the rights of those who take part in games of chance to a reasonable extent as means of entertainment. Responsible Gaming at ThePokies is based on three fundamental principles: Security of the player, Security of the game and Protection against gaming addiction. Together with research institutes, associations and therapy institutions, we work on creation of a responsible, secure and reliable framework for online gaming.
We take responsibility for the security of our players. Protection of the players is based on forbidding the attendance of the minors from participation in games and the protection of privacy, which involves responsible processing of personal data and payments. Fairness and the random nature of the products offered are monitored closely by independent organizations. Marketing communication is also geared towards player protection: we promise only what players can receive in our transparent line. Protection against gaming addiction: research prevention intervention The majority of users who make sports bets, casino bets and other gaming offers play in moderation for entertainment. Certain habits and behaviour patterns (such as shopping, playing sports, eating or consumption of alcohol) which are considered to be normal and not causing any concern can develop into addiction for some people and cause problems. In the same way, bets on sports and gambling can lead to problems for a small group of customers. Clients with gaming addiction are prohibited from further participation in the gaming line-up. Subsequently the customers are provided with contacts of organizations where they can receive professional advice and support. Self-responsibility is the most sustainable form of prevention. The basic principle promoted by The Pokies is that the final decision and responsibility on whether to play or not, and how much money can be spent on the game should be assumed by the customer himself. Self-responsibility of the customer is therefore the most effective form of protection from addiction. ThePokies sees its responsibility in assisting the customers by providing transparent products, full information and keeping a clear line of conduct.
The Pokies does not allow minors (persons under the age of 18) to participate in games and make bets. That's why the confirmation of having reached the age of majority and the confirmation of date of birth are mandatory requirements during registration. ThePokies considers the issue of minors taking part in games and betting very seriously. In order to offer the best possible protection of minors, we also rely on the support of parents and caregivers. Please keep your data for account access in a safe place (user ID and password). Furthermore, we would recommend that you install filter software. This software will allow you to restrict the access to Internet resources inappropriate for children and teenagers.
The Pokies offers a variety of games and bets which are forms of entertainment for the majority of customers. At the same time, the company takes responsibility for its customers by providing support and tools for maintenance of a secure and entertaining environment taking into account the associated risks. The clients who have difficulty in assessing risks, recognizing their own limits or those who suffer from gambling addiction are not able to enjoy our product line-up responsibly and perceive it as a form of entertainment. ThePokies takes responsibility for users with verified gaming addiction by blocking their access to its products for their own protection.
Most people play for pleasure. Moderate participation in games within their financial capacity is fully acceptable. However, for a small percentage of people gambling is not a form of entertainment, it is a challenge that must be considered seriously.
A problematic game behaviour is considered to be such behaviour which interferes mode of life, work, financial position or health of a person or his family. Long participation in games is counter-indicative to such person as it can lead to negative consequences. In 1980 the pathological game dependence has been officially recognized and enlisted in the list of psychological diseases of international classification system DSM-IV and ICD-10. It is defined as long, repeating and frequently amplifying inclination for game, despite of existing negative personal and social circumstances, such as a debt, rupture of family relations and delay of professional growth.
It is necessary to underline that the diagnoses of game dependence can be qualified only by experts. The material presented on this web-page will help you to estimate and define your own game behaviour. The special hazard of addictions that are not associated with any substance is that it is very difficult to define the line between pleasure and addiction. Nevertheless, there are some diagnostic signals that may point out the existing problems.
In the presence of at least five of the following symptoms, the likelihood of the severe dependence is high:
Following the rules placed below, you can enjoy the game without anxiety:
If you feel that you need a break, we provide options to help.
Time-out enables you to take a short break from playing with us. Once you begin your Time-out period, you will no longer be able to deposit funds or play on any of The Pokies products. However, you will be able to withdraw any remaining real money balance you may have. Available periods for Time-out are: 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or 15 days. During the period selected you will be unable to reverse this block.
Alternatively, you may feel you need a longer break from gambling; in that case you can choose to self-exclude. Self-exclusion means that your The Pokies account will remain closed for up to one year. It won't automatically be re-opened unless you contact us. Please contact us if you require any further information or assistance on self-exclusion or time-out options.
To receive guidance and support about problem gambling, please visit: GamCare at www.gamcare.org.uk or call their confidential helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Gambling Therapy at www.gamblingtherapy.org