Last updated: May 2026 — Lachlan McAllister, Guitarcheck
At Guitarcheck, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable, entertaining experience. However, we also recognise that gambling carries real risks, and for some players those risks can spiral into serious harm. This page exists because Lachlan McAllister and the entire Guitarcheck team genuinely care about the wellbeing of every person who visits this site. If you or someone you know is struggling, please read on — help is closer than you think.
Guitarcheck.info is an independent review and information resource aimed exclusively at adult players in Australia. We are committed to promoting safe, informed gambling habits at every turn. We only recommend licensed, regulated casino platforms that provide robust responsible gaming tools, and we refuse to endorse operators that fall short of player-protection standards.
Online gambling in Australia is strictly for players aged 18 years and over. There are no exceptions. If you are under 18, please leave this site immediately. All casinos recommended by Guitarcheck are required to verify the age and identity of every player before allowing real-money play. If you share a device with younger family members, please use parental controls or filtering software such as Gamban or Net Nanny to prevent underage access to gambling content.
Problem gambling does not always look the same for everyone, but there are common warning signs worth knowing. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you:
Recognising these signs is not a weakness — it is the first and most important step toward regaining control.
Take a moment to answer the following questions honestly. The more times you answer yes, the more important it is to seek support right away.
Every reputable online casino recommended by Guitarcheck provides a range of built-in tools designed to help you stay in control. Take full advantage of them.
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps directly in your casino account settings. These limits prevent you from depositing more than you have decided in advance. Reductions take effect immediately; increases require a cooling-off period for your protection.
Reality check notifications pop up at intervals you choose — typically every 30 or 60 minutes — reminding you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. They are a simple but powerful way to stay aware of your session.
If you feel your gambling is getting out of hand but you are not ready for a full break, a cooling-off period lets you pause your account for a set number of days or weeks. During this time you cannot deposit or play.
Self-exclusion allows you to close your casino account and block yourself from rejoining for a chosen period — from months to several years, or permanently. In Australia, the national self-exclusion register BetStop (betstop.com.au) lets you exclude yourself from all licensed Australian wagering services in one place. Use it — it works.
If you need to speak to someone right now, free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day in Australia:
The following organisations provide world-class resources, counselling, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling:
Pokies are meant to be fun. The moment they stop being fun, it is time to step back. Guitarcheck will always provide honest information and point you toward the safest operators we can find — but no review site replaces your own judgment and self-care. Please gamble responsibly, set limits before you start, and never hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone, and support is always available.