Last updated: June 2026 — Mikayla Connell, Emergencyparty
At Emergencyparty, we believe that playing online pokies should always be a fun, entertaining experience — never a source of stress, financial hardship, or harm. Our founder, Mikayla Connell, built this site in 2026 with a clear purpose: to help Australian players find quality games while making sure everyone who visits understands how to play safely and responsibly.
This page exists because we genuinely care about the people who read our content. If you ever feel that gambling is affecting your life in a negative way, we encourage you to read every section below, reach out to a support service, and take action today. There is no shame in asking for help.
Responsible gambling means staying in control of how much time and money you spend on pokies and other casino games. It means gambling with money you can afford to lose, treating wins as a bonus rather than an income, and stepping away whenever you choose to. The moment gambling feels like something you have to do, it is time to pause and reassess.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or income. Recognising the warning signs early is one of the most important steps toward getting help. Watch for the following behaviours in yourself or someone you care about:
If any of these points describe your experience, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed further down this page.
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, we strongly encourage you to speak with a professional counsellor or helpline.
Most licensed online casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits directly in your account settings. Use these limits before you start playing, not after a losing streak. Setting a hard cap on deposits is one of the most effective ways to keep your gambling budget under control.
Reality check alerts are pop-up notifications that remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. Enable these in your casino account settings so you can make informed decisions about whether to continue or stop your session.
A cooling-off period lets you temporarily suspend your account for a short time — typically between 24 hours and 30 days. This tool is useful if you feel your gambling is getting out of hand but you are not ready to self-exclude permanently. Use this breathing space to reflect and seek support.
Self-exclusion is a formal request to block yourself from a gambling site for an extended period, often six months to five years or permanently. In Australia, you can also use the BetStop National Self-Exclusion Register at betstop.gov.au to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online wagering services at once. This is a powerful, free tool available to every Australian player.
Emergencyparty is intended exclusively for adults aged 18 years and over. We do not permit minors to access our content, and we actively support the age verification measures used by licensed casinos. If you suspect a young person in your household is accessing gambling sites, most devices and browsers offer parental control tools that can restrict access. Please use them.
If you have questions about responsible gambling or need guidance finding the right support service, you are welcome to contact Mikayla Connell directly through the contact page on emergencyparty.org. We will always point you toward the right resources without judgment.