Responsible Gambling at Spinia

Responsible Gambling at Spinia

Pokies and casino games are entertainment, not a way to make money. At Spinia, we want every session on our platform to stay enjoyable, affordable and within your control. That's why we build safer-gambling tools directly into your account.

These tools exist for one reason: to help you set boundaries before you start playing, not after you've noticed a problem. Setting a deposit limit, taking a reality check, or stepping away through self-exclusion are all normal parts of playing responsibly, not signs that something has gone wrong.

We're an 18+ platform only. If you're under 18, or purchasing or playing on behalf of someone who is, you must not use Spinia. Age verification is part of our standard account checks.

Why Responsible Gambling Matters on an Offshore Platform

Spinia operates under an international licence, which means the usual local safeguards Australians may be used to from licensed sports and race wagering, such as BetStop, don't extend to online casino play. That's exactly why we put the weight of responsibility back into your own hands through account-level tools, clear information and genuine access to support services. You decide your limits, you decide your pace, and you have real, workable ways to pause or stop whenever you choose.

This also means it's worth treating your Spinia account the same way you'd treat any entertainment budget: decide what you're comfortable spending before you log in, rather than deciding in the moment. A few minutes spent setting limits when you first register saves you from having to make that decision later, under pressure, after a losing session.

Self-Exclusion and How It Works

Self-exclusion lets you close off access to your account for a period you choose, or permanently. It's designed for moments when you need a complete break rather than a smaller limit.

How to activate self-exclusion

• Contact Spinia support through your account and request self-exclusion.
• Choose the duration that suits you, from a short cooling-off period to an indefinite block.
• Your account is locked for deposits and real-money play for the full period you select.
• Marketing emails and promotional contact stop once self-exclusion is confirmed.

What happens during self-exclusion

Once active, you won't be able to log in and deposit or place real-money wagers until the period ends. If you asked for an indefinite exclusion, reinstatement requires you to actively contact support once you're ready, rather than the account reopening automatically.

If you have an active bonus or pending wagering requirement when you self-exclude, that activity stops along with everything else. Any balance that belongs to you remains your balance; self-exclusion is about blocking further play, not about forfeiting funds you've already won or deposited.

Safer Gambling Tools Available

Every tool below is built to be switched on from inside your Spinia account. None of them require you to explain why you want them, and none of them cost anything to use.

All limit changes are confirmed before they apply, so you always know exactly what's switched on.

Choosing the right tool for your situation

Not every player needs the same level of control, and the tools above are designed to be layered rather than all-or-nothing. If you simply want to keep an eye on how long you've been playing, a time limit or session reminder is often enough. If you're more concerned about how much you're spending, a deposit or loss limit gives you a hard ceiling that can't be crossed without a deliberate change on your part. A cooling-off period suits a player who wants a short, defined break, perhaps after a big loss or a particularly long session, without closing the account for good. Self-exclusion is the strongest option and suits anyone who recognises they need a complete, sustained separation from pokies and casino games rather than a partial limit.

There's no wrong order to use these in. Some players set a loss limit from day one and never need anything stronger. Others start with limits, find they're not enough, and move to a cooling-off period or self-exclusion later. Adjusting your approach as you go is a sign the tools are working, not a failure to get it right the first time.

Setting a Limit: Step by Step

Deposit and loss limits are the easiest tools to start with, and you can adjust them as your circumstances change. Here's how to set one:

1. Log in to your Spinia account and go to account settings.
2. Find the responsible gambling or limits section.
3. Choose which limit you want: deposit, loss, or time-based.
4. Enter the amount or duration that fits your budget, such as a weekly deposit cap.
5. Confirm the change. Reductions apply immediately; increases may require a waiting period before taking effect.
6. Review your limit regularly and adjust it as your situation changes.

If you want to increase a limit, expect a short delay before it takes effect. This gap is intentional and gives you time to reconsider.

Practical tips for setting a limit that actually works

A limit only helps if it reflects what you can genuinely afford to lose, not what you hope to win back. Before you set a figure, think in terms of entertainment spending: what would you comfortably spend on a night out or a hobby in a week or a month? Setting your deposit limit at or below that number keeps pokies in the same category as any other leisure activity.

It also helps to set your limit when you're calm and clear-headed, not immediately after a big win or a frustrating loss. Decisions made in either of those moments tend to be less realistic than decisions made before you've started playing for the day. If you find yourself wanting to raise a limit frequently, that's worth treating as useful information about your play, not just an administrative step.

Recognising the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it's not always obvious from the inside. Being honest with yourself about these signs is the first step toward getting things back under control.

Signs worth paying attention to

• 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 things, or using funds meant for bills to keep playing
• Feeling anxious, irritable or guilty about your gambling, or hiding it from family and friends
• Neglecting work, study, relationships or sleep because of time spent playing
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same enjoyment as before

What to do if you notice these signs

Use the tools above straight away: a deposit limit, a cooling-off period, or self-exclusion. You don't need to wait until things feel serious. Reaching out to a support service, below, is also a strong and sensible option.

Supporting someone else

If you're worried about a family member or friend rather than yourself, the same warning signs apply: secrecy around money, borrowing unexpectedly, mood changes tied to wins and losses, or time spent gambling that doesn't match what they tell you. You can't set limits on someone else's account, but you can encourage them to use Spinia's tools themselves, and you can contact Gambling Help Online for guidance on how to raise the conversation and what support is available for families and friends, not just for the person gambling.

Where to Get Help Locally

Free, confidential support is available across Australia, 24 hours a day. You don't need to be in crisis to reach out, and these services are separate from Spinia.

• Gambling Help Online: call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for counselling, live chat and information, available 24/7.
• Lifeline: call 13 11 14 for crisis support if you're struggling emotionally.

You can also speak with a GP or a local community health service about gambling concerns. These conversations are confidential and many services are free.

Keeping Account Information Accurate

Responsible gambling tools work properly only when the details on your account are correct. Keeping your contact information up to date means limit confirmations, reminders and any support communication reach you without delay. If you ever change your mind about a limit, a cooling-off period or a self-exclusion, contacting Spinia support directly through your account is the fastest way to get an accurate answer about where things stand and what your options are.

FAQ

How long does a Spinia self-exclusion last?

You choose the length when you request it, from a short defined period to an indefinite block. Indefinite exclusions don't lift automatically; you must contact Spinia support directly when you want your account reinstated.

Can I lower my deposit limit immediately but raise it later?

Yes. Reducing a deposit or loss limit takes effect straight away. Increasing one requires a waiting period before it applies, giving you time to reconsider the change.

Does self-exclusion stop promotional emails from Spinia?

Yes. Once self-exclusion is confirmed on your account, marketing emails and promotional contact from Spinia stop for the duration of the exclusion period you selected.

Is Gambling Help Online free and confidential?

Yes. Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 is a free, confidential service available 24/7, separate from Spinia, offering counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling.

What's the difference between a cooling-off period and self-exclusion?

A cooling-off period is a short, fixed-term account lock, useful for a brief break. Self-exclusion is longer or indefinite and is designed for players who need a more complete, sustained separation from play.

Do responsible gambling tools cost anything to use?

No. Deposit limits, loss limits, time reminders, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion are all free features available directly through your Spinia account, with no cost or obligation attached.

Spinia is for players aged 18 and over. If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for free, confidential support.