Last updated: June 2026 — Lachlan Drummond, Surf Atl
At Surf Atl, we believe that enjoying pokies and online casino games should always be a fun, entertaining experience — never a source of stress, harm, or financial hardship. Lachlan Drummond and the entire Surf Atl team are genuinely committed to promoting responsible gambling across the Australian market. This page exists because we care about the people behind every spin, not just the games themselves.
Gambling is a legal and enjoyable leisure activity for the vast majority of Australians. However, we recognise that for some players it can become problematic. That is why we encourage every visitor to surf-atl.com to read this page, use the tools available, and reach out for support whenever it is needed — without shame or hesitation.
Before you play any pokie or casino game, set a firm budget you are completely comfortable losing. Never gamble with money earmarked for rent, bills, groceries, or any essential expense. If a session stops being enjoyable, it is always the right time to stop.
Problem gambling can develop gradually and is not always easy to recognise from the inside. Watch for the following warning signs in yourself or someone you care about:
If any of these signs resonate with you, please take the self-assessment below and consider contacting a support organisation listed on this page.
Answer the following questions honestly. The more times you answer yes, the more important it is to seek guidance or take a break.
Most licensed Australian-facing casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits directly in your account settings. Setting a limit before you start playing is one of the most effective ways to stay in control of your spending. We always recommend players activate these limits immediately after registering at any platform.
Reality check notifications remind you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent during a session. Enable these reminders in your casino account settings so that time spent at the reels stays conscious and considered.
If you feel you need a short break, most casinos offer cooling-off periods lasting anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks. During a cooling-off period your account remains intact but you cannot deposit or play. This is a great option if you feel your gambling is becoming a habit rather than a hobby.
Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that allows you to block yourself from a casino platform for a defined period or permanently. In Australia, the BetStop National Self-Exclusion Register (betstop.gov.au) allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed interactive wagering services in one step. We strongly encourage any player who feels at risk to use BetStop immediately.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please contact one of the following free and confidential services:
Surf Atl also recommends the following globally recognised organisations for information, counselling, and support:
Surf Atl operates a strict 18+ only policy across all content and recommendations published on surf-atl.com. Online gambling is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 in Australia. We fully support age verification measures implemented by licensed casino operators, and we urge parents and guardians to use parental control software to prevent minors from accessing gambling-related content.
If you have concerns about responsible gambling or wish to report content on surf-atl.com that you believe is harmful, please reach out to Lachlan Drummond directly through our contact page. Your wellbeing always comes first — that is a promise from everyone at Surf Atl.