Responsible Gaming

Last updated: 2026 — iancoats.com

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

At iancoats.com, we believe that playing pokies and other casino games online should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, pay bills, or escape financial problems. Gambling outcomes are determined by chance, and the house always has an edge over time. Please only ever gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose, and treat any winnings as a bonus rather than an income.

If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop.

Age Verification — 18+ Only

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to gamble, whether online or at a land-based venue. All licensed operators are required to verify the age and identity of their customers.

• Never share your gambling accounts with anyone under 18.
• Use parental control software (such as device-level filters) if minors have access to your computer, tablet, or phone.
• Keep login details and payment methods secure and out of reach of children.

iancoats.com is intended strictly for adults aged 18 and over.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:

• Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back money you've lost.
• Hiding your gambling — lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend.
• Borrowing money to gamble — using credit cards, loans, or money meant for essentials.
• Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, study, or family commitments because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape — playing to avoid stress, anxiety, loneliness, or depression.
• Increasing stakes — needing to bet larger amounts to get the same excitement.
• Failed attempts to cut down — trying to stop or reduce gambling but being unable to.
• Mood changes — feeling irritable, restless, or anxious when not gambling.
• Selling belongings — or using savings to fund gambling.

If you recognise even one or two of these signs, it may be time to take a break and seek support. Reaching out early makes a real difference.

Self-Help Tools

Licensed gambling operators offer practical tools to help you stay in control. We strongly encourage you to use them:

• Deposit limits — set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit.
• Loss limits — restrict the amount you can lose within a set period.
• Session and wager limits — control how long you play and how much you stake.
• Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
• Cooling-off periods — take a short break from your account for 24 hours or longer.
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling sites for months or permanently. In Australia, you can register with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, to exclude yourself from all licensed online and phone wagering services in one step.

You can also ask your bank to block gambling transactions on your cards — many Australian banks now offer this feature.

Support Organizations

Free, confidential help is available 24/7. If you're in Australia, these services are here for you:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online — free, confidential counselling and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.
• BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register — exclude yourself from all Australian-licensed wagering services at www.betstop.gov.au.
• Lifeline Australia — crisis support and suicide prevention, call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

International Resources

• United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop self-exclusion — www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org or call/text 1-800-GAMBLER
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — www.check-dein-spiel.de

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today

There is no shame in asking for help — it's one of the strongest things you can do. Problem gambling is treatable, and thousands of Australians recover every year with the right support.

If gambling is affecting your life, your finances, or your relationships, contact Gambling Help Online now on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. The call is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

If you are in immediate crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000.