Responsible Gambling at Joe Fortune

What Safer Gambling Tools Are For

Joe Fortune gives every player a set of tools to keep pokies and table games fun, controlled and within budget. These tools exist for one reason: to put you in charge of your own account, not the other way around.

Gambling is entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial pressure. The tools on this page help you set boundaries before you play, so a session never goes further than you intended.

You must be 18 or older to hold an account or use any Joe Fortune service. Age verification is part of our standard account checks.

Self-Exclusion and How It Works

Self-exclusion lets you close off access to your Joe Fortune account for a period you choose, or indefinitely. It is the strongest tool available and is designed for anyone who needs a complete break from pokies and casino games.

Requesting self-exclusion

Contact our support team through your account and ask to be self-excluded. Once your request is confirmed, your account is locked for play, marketing emails stop, and you will not be able to deposit for the length of the exclusion.

What happens during exclusion

During the exclusion period you cannot log in to place bets or spin pokies. Any pending withdrawal of your own funds is still processed. Reopening an excluded account before the period ends is not possible.

Safer Gambling Tools Available

The table below sets out each tool, what it actually does to your account, and how you switch it on. Use one, or combine several, depending on how you want to play.

Once a limit is set, lowering it takes effect immediately. Raising a limit or removing it takes effect only after a cooling-off period, which gives you time to reconsider.

How to Set a Limit on Your Account

Setting a deposit, loss or time limit takes a few minutes. Follow these steps from a logged-in account.

1. Log in to your Joe Fortune account and open your account settings.
2. Find the responsible gambling or account limits section.
3. Choose the limit type: deposit, loss, time, or reality check.
4. Select the period the limit applies to, such as daily, weekly or monthly.
5. Enter the amount or duration you want and confirm your choice.
6. If you want the limit to increase later, submit a new request and allow the cooling-off period to pass before it applies.
7. Contact support directly if you cannot find a setting or want to self-exclude instead.

Recognising the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it is not always obvious from the inside. Being honest with yourself about these signs is the first step toward using the tools above.

Behavioural signs

• Spending longer on pokies or table games than you planned, repeatedly.
• Chasing losses by depositing more to try to win back money already lost.
• Hiding how much time or money you spend from family or friends.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or missing bills to keep playing.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when you try to cut back or stop.

Emotional and financial signs

• Using gambling to escape stress, boredom or low mood.
• Neglecting work, study or relationships because of time spent playing.
• Feeling guilt or shame after a session but returning to play again soon after.

If any of this sounds familiar, even occasionally, it is worth setting a limit now or reaching out for support before it becomes harder to manage.

Where to Get Help Locally

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

• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858, available 24/7, gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Lifeline: 13 11 14, for crisis support and emotional distress

These services are independent, free to call, and staffed by trained counsellors who understand gambling-related harm. You do not need to be in crisis to call; early conversations help too.

If gambling is no longer fun, or is affecting your money, relationships or mental health, pause and use a limit or self-exclusion tool from this page, then speak with Gambling Help Online.

FAQ

How long does self-exclusion last on Joe Fortune?

You choose the length when you request it, including an indefinite option. Your account stays locked, with no deposits or play possible, for the full period you agree with support, and reopening it early is not available.

Can I lower my deposit limit immediately but not raise it straight away?

Yes. Lowering a deposit, loss or time limit applies immediately once you confirm it. Raising or removing a limit only takes effect after a cooling-off period, which is designed to stop impulsive increases.

What is a reality check and how does it help while playing pokies?

A reality check is an on-screen reminder that appears during play, showing how long you have been logged in. It interrupts long sessions so you can decide, with a clear head, whether to keep playing or stop.

Is Gambling Help Online free and available at any time?

Yes. Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone in Australia affected by their own or someone else's gambling.

Do I need a reason to ask for self-exclusion or a limit?

No. You can set a deposit, loss or time limit, or request self-exclusion, at any time and for any reason. Support will not ask you to justify the request before applying it to your account.