Responsible Gambling at TonySpins

Responsible Gambling at TonySpins

Pokies are entertainment, not a way to make money. Most players set a budget, enjoy their session and walk away without a second thought. For a smaller number, play can start to feel harder to control. This page explains the tools we offer, how to use them, and where to find real help if you need it.

Every tool below exists for one reason: to keep gambling fun, optional and within limits you choose in advance, before a session starts rather than mid-session when it's harder to think clearly.

What our safer-gambling tools are for

Safer-gambling tools give you control over your own account. Instead of relying on willpower alone while you're playing, you set boundaries in advance that the account enforces automatically. That includes how much you deposit, how much you can lose, how long you play, and when you take a break.

These tools are not a judgement on your play. They're available to every player, whether you use them occasionally to manage a big week or permanently as part of how you game. Setting a limit takes a couple of minutes and can be adjusted or removed later, subject to the cooling-off periods described below.

Safer-gambling tools available on your account

Lowering a limit takes effect straight away. Increasing or removing a limit involves a cooling-off period, so the protection can't be undone in the heat of a session.

Self-exclusion and how it works

Self-exclusion is the strongest tool available. It closes your account completely, blocking deposits and play for the period you select.

How to request self-exclusion

• Contact our support team or use the self-exclusion option in your account settings.
• Choose a timeframe: a set period or an indefinite exclusion.
• Confirm your request. Your account is closed to deposits and gameplay from that point.
• Marketing emails and promotional contact stop once exclusion is active.

What happens during exclusion

Once self-excluded, you cannot log in to deposit or play for the period chosen. If you selected a fixed term, the account remains closed until that term ends. Indefinite self-exclusion stays in place until you take active steps to request reinstatement, which is never automatic.

Self-exclusion applies to your TonySpins account. If you feel you need a broader break from all forms of gambling, Gambling Help Online (details below) can talk you through other options available to you locally.

Setting a limit on your account

Setting a deposit, loss or time limit takes a few minutes. Here's the practical process:

1. Log in to your account and open your account or profile settings.
2. Find the responsible gambling or safer-gambling section.
3. Choose the tool you want: deposit limit, loss limit, time limit or reality check.
4. Pick a period (daily, weekly or monthly) and enter the amount or time you're comfortable with.
5. Confirm the change. Limits that reduce your spending or play time apply immediately.
6. If you later want to raise or remove a limit, submit the request and allow for the cooling-off period before it takes effect.

Set limits before you deposit, not after a session has already started. A limit chosen in advance, when you're thinking clearly about your budget, is far more useful than one adjusted mid-session.

Recognising the warning signs of problem gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Knowing the signs, in yourself or someone close to you, is the first step toward addressing it.

Signs to watch for

• Spending more time or money on pokies than you planned to.
• Chasing losses by depositing again to try to win back what you've lost.
• Borrowing money, selling items or using funds meant for bills to keep playing.
• Feeling restless, anxious or irritable when you try to cut back or stop.
• Hiding how much time or money you spend gambling from family or friends.
• Gambling to escape stress, boredom or low mood rather than for entertainment.
• Neglecting work, study, relationships or sleep because of time spent playing.

If any of this sounds familiar, whether about your own play or someone you care about, it's worth reaching out for support early rather than waiting for things to get harder to manage.

Where to get help locally

Free, confidential support is available to anyone in Australia affected by gambling, whether that's your own play or someone else's.

• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858, available 24/7, gamblinghelponline.org.au. Free counselling, online chat and resources for players and families.
• Lifeline: 13 11 14, for anyone experiencing a personal crisis, available 24/7.

These services are independent, confidential and free to use. You don't need to be in crisis to call; they also help with setting boundaries, talking through concerns, or supporting a family member.

Our commitment

TonySpins is strictly for players aged 18 and over. We encourage every player to use the tools on this page, to play within a budget they've set in advance, and to treat pokies as entertainment rather than a source of income. If gambling stops being fun, it's time to take a break and reach out for support.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set a deposit limit on my TonySpins account?

Log in, open your account settings, find the responsible gambling section and choose a deposit limit tool. Enter your preferred daily, weekly or monthly amount and confirm. Reductions apply immediately; increases involve a cooling-off period before they take effect.

Can I reverse self-exclusion once I've set it up?

Indefinite self-exclusion is not automatically reversed; you must actively contact support to request reinstatement, and it is not guaranteed to be immediate. Fixed-term exclusion ends automatically once the chosen period expires.

What is a reality check and why would I use one?

A reality check is an on-screen reminder that appears during play showing how long you've been logged in. It helps you stay aware of session length, especially during longer or more immersive play, without needing to interrupt your own game.

Are responsible gambling tools free to use?

Yes. Deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, reality checks and self-exclusion are all free features available within your account settings at no cost, as is support from Gambling Help Online.

Who can I talk to if gambling is affecting my family, not just me?

Gambling Help Online, on 1800 858 858 or at gamblinghelponline.org.au, supports family members and friends affected by someone else's gambling, not only the player. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7.

What age do I need to be to use TonySpins or these tools?

You must be 18 or older to hold an account or use any service on TonySpins, including the safer-gambling tools described on this page. Age verification is part of our standard account checks.