Responsible Gaming

Introduction

Responsible gaming means approaching online gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. The purpose of this page is to help you understand the risks, recognise problematic behaviour early, and use the available tools to stay in control whenever you play via uptownpokies-aussie.com in connection with Up Town Pokies.

Up Town Pokies, operated offshore by Deckmedia N.V. under a claimed Curaçao reference (8048/JAZ), does not hold an Australian licence and its services are prohibited in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Nothing on this page alters that legal position. However, if you choose to access the site despite this, the operator aims to provide information, tools and contacts to support safer play and to assist you in seeking professional, confidential help whenever you need it.

Risk Awareness

Gambling can become harmful when it stops being a form of leisure and starts to interfere with your finances, work, studies, relationships or mental health. Understanding the early signs of risk is one of the most effective ways to prevent gambling harm.

Signs of Potential Gambling Harm

• Increased frequency and stakes: You are betting more often, for longer sessions, or with higher amounts than you planned, especially to "win back" previous losses.
• Preoccupation with gambling: You frequently think about the casino, plan your next session, or replay past results in your mind when you should be focusing on work, study or family.
• Chasing losses: You deposit again immediately after losing, or you increase your bet size to recover money quickly rather than stopping.
• Financial pressure: You use money needed for bills, rent, food or loan repayments, borrow from friends or family, use credit cards or new loans to gamble, or hide transactions.
• Loss of control: You gamble longer than intended, ignore previously set limits, or feel unable to stop even when you know it is harmful.
• Emotional impact: You feel guilt, shame, anxiety, irritability or depression related to gambling, or you gamble to escape stress, loneliness or other problems.
• Social and work problems: You cancel social activities, avoid loved ones, are absent from work or study, or your performance drops due to gambling.
• Secrecy and denial: You hide gambling from others, lie about time or money spent, or become defensive when questioned.

Self-Assessment Questions

Consider the following statements and answer honestly "Yes" or "No" for yourself. If you answer "Yes" to several questions, you may be at risk of gambling harm and should consider seeking support or using the tools described on this page.

• I often gamble longer than I had planned or intended.
• I have tried to cut down or stop gambling but found it difficult.
• I gamble with money that I really cannot afford to lose (for example, money for bills, rent or debts).
• I feel restless, irritable or anxious when I try to cut down or stop gambling.
• I sometimes chase my losses by returning to play soon after losing.
• I hide or minimise the amount of time or money I spend on gambling.
• My gambling has caused arguments or tension with family, friends, or colleagues.
• I use gambling to escape from problems, stress, sadness or other uncomfortable emotions.
• I have borrowed money, sold possessions, or used credit to fund my gambling.
• Thoughts about gambling distract me when I should be focusing on other tasks.

Important: This self-assessment is not a medical diagnosis. If you are concerned about your gambling, please contact a professional service listed in the Support Resources section below or your local health provider in Australia.

Limits & Tools

Setting clear limits on deposits and time spent is one of the most effective ways to keep gambling under control. These tools are intended to help you maintain a recreational approach. They do not change the legal status of offshore operators such as Up Town Pokies in Australia.

Deposit Limits (Daily, Weekly, Monthly)

If available in your player account on uptownpokies-aussie.com, you can set personal deposit limits to restrict the amount of money you can add to your balance within a chosen period.

1. Access your account: Log in to your Up Town Pokies account via uptownpokies-aussie.com and open the "Cashier", "Banking" or "Responsible Gaming" section (section names may vary).
2. Locate deposit limits: Look for a subsection labelled "Deposit Limits", "Limit My Deposits" or similar within your account or responsible gaming area.
3. Choose the period: Select the type of limit you want to set:
   • Daily limit: Maximum amount you can deposit in any 24-hour period.
   • Weekly limit: Maximum total deposits within a 7-day period.
   • Monthly limit: Maximum total deposits within a calendar month.
4. Enter your amounts: Carefully calculate what you can comfortably afford to lose without affecting essential living expenses. For example:
   • Daily: AUD 20
   • Weekly: AUD 50
   • Monthly: AUD 150

   These are illustrative only; you must choose amounts appropriate to your personal financial situation.

5. Confirm and save: Review your chosen limits and confirm. In many systems, limits are applied immediately or from your next deposit, but increases may require a waiting period (for example, 24 hours) to help prevent impulsive changes.

Protective note: If the platform allows you to increase or remove limits instantly, consider keeping them in place or lowering them instead. Responsible practice is to allow only delayed increases and immediate decreases.

Time Spent Limits and Session Timers

Limiting the time you spend in each session can help prevent excessive gambling and fatigue-based decisions.

• Session timer: If your account offers a "Session Limit" or "Play Timer" function, enter the maximum duration (for example, 30, 60 or 90 minutes). After this time, you may be automatically logged out or receive a strong reminder to take a break.
• Reality checks: Enable "Reality Check" pop-ups where available. These periodic notifications (for example, every 15 - 30 minutes) show how long you have been playing and your net win/loss for that period.
• Manual time management: If internal tools are not available, set alarms or timers on your phone or computer before starting play and commit to stopping when the alarm sounds.

Short Breaks - "Time-Out" (24 - 72 Hours)

A "Time-Out" or short-term break can be useful when you feel you are losing control or need to step back and reassess your gambling behaviour.

1. Open responsible gaming settings: After logging in, navigate to "Responsible Gaming", "Player Protection" or a similarly named section in your account settings.
2. Select Time-Out / Cooling-Off: Choose the option labelled "Time-Out", "Short Break" or "Cooling-Off".
3. Choose the duration: Typical options are:
   • 24 hours
   • 48 hours
   • 72 hours
4. Confirm your request: Read any on-screen explanation of the consequences (for example, you will be unable to log in or deposit during the period), then confirm. You may receive an email confirmation.
5. During the break: Do not attempt to circumvent the break by opening new accounts or using other gambling sites. Use the time to reflect on your gambling behaviour, review your finances and consider contacting a support service if you are worried.

Important: Availability and exact functionality of these tools depend on the operator's platform. If you cannot locate these tools, contact support at [email protected] and request assistance or consider using external blocking software described below.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a stronger, longer-term measure designed for situations where you feel you can no longer safely control your gambling. By self-excluding, you ask the operator to block your access to your account for a defined period or permanently.

How to Request Self-Exclusion

1. Log in (if you still can): Access your account via uptownpokies-aussie.com and open the "Responsible Gaming", "Self-Exclusion" or "Account Closure" section.
2. Locate the Self-Exclusion option: Choose "Self-Exclusion" rather than simple account closure, as this is specifically designed for problem-gambling situations.
3. Choose the duration: Available options may include:
   • 6 months
   • 1 year
   • 2 - 5 years
   • Lifetime (permanent) exclusion
4. Confirm your decision: Carefully read the description of what self-exclusion means. You may need to tick a checkbox confirming that you understand the consequences and then click "Confirm" or "Submit".
5. Contact support if needed: If you cannot access the self-exclusion form or need immediate help, email [email protected] with the subject "Self-Exclusion Request" from your registered email address. Clearly state the exclusion period you want (for example, "at least 6 months" or "lifetime").

Consequences of Self-Exclusion

• Login and play: You should not be able to log in, deposit funds, place bets or participate in promotions for the duration of the self-exclusion. Attempts to circumvent the exclusion by opening new accounts may breach the site's terms and undermine your own protection.
• Marketing communications: The operator should take reasonable steps to stop sending you promotional emails, SMS or push notifications associated with your excluded account. You may still receive certain non-promotional messages where required for account administration.
• Account balance and withdrawals: Treatment of existing balances during self-exclusion is governed by the operator's terms and conditions and the laws of its licensing jurisdiction (Curaçao). Because Up Town Pokies has no Australian licence and is subject to ACMA blocking orders, you may face significant enforcement and recovery limitations. You should contact [email protected] to request clarification and, where possible, withdrawal of any remaining legitimate balance before exclusion takes full effect.
• Irreversibility: For your protection, self-exclusion - particularly for 6 months or more - should not be easily reversed. Requests to lift an exclusion early may be declined or subject to waiting periods and additional checks.

Legal and practical note for Australian residents: As Up Town Pokies operates offshore without an Australian licence and is on the ACMA blacklist, Australian authorities may have limited ability to enforce your self-exclusion or resolve disputes. You should therefore also consider using Australian government-supported blocks (for example, financial transaction controls) and accessing local counselling services as listed below.

Support Resources

Independent, professional support is often the most effective way to address gambling problems. All reputable support services respect your privacy and offer confidential assistance. The services listed below are not operated by Up Town Pokies or Up Town Pokies, but are provided for your information.

Local Support in Australia

• National Gambling Helpline (Gambling Help Online)
  • Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call within Australia)
  • Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  • Online chat: Live counselling via the website
  • Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Languages: English, with access to interpreter services upon request
• State and Territory Gambling Help Services (examples):
  • NSW - GambleAware: 1800 858 858, gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
  • Victoria - Gambler's Help: 1800 858 858, gamblershelp.com.au
  • Queensland - Gambling Help QLD: 1800 858 858, gamblinghelpqld.org.au
  • South Australia - Gambling Help Services: 1800 858 858, problemgambling.sa.gov.au
  • Western Australia - Gambling Help WA: 1800 858 858, via Centrecare
  • Tasmania, ACT, NT: Access via 1800 858 858 or Gambling Help Online website.

These Australian services provide free, confidential counselling, information, online chat, and referrals to local face-to-face support and financial counselling.

International Support Organisations

Self-Exclusion Schemes by Country

If you reside outside Australia or use other gambling sites licensed in your country, consider registering with official multi-operator exclusion schemes where available:

• United Kingdom - GAMSTOP:
  • Covers: All UK-licensed online gambling companies.
  • How it works: You register once at gamstop.co.uk and choose an exclusion period (6 months, 1 year, 5 years).
  • Note: Does not apply to operators not licensed in Great Britain (such as Curaçao-based sites), but is highly effective for UK-regulated platforms.
• Spain - RGIAJ (Registro General de Interdicciones de Acceso al Juego):
  • Covers: Licensed gambling operators in Spain (online and land-based).
  • How it works: You request to be added to the national self-exclusion register through the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) or participating regional authorities.
• Other EU and international schemes: Many jurisdictions (e.g., Belgium, Sweden, some Canadian provinces) have central exclusion registers or provincial self-exclusion systems. Check with your local regulator or responsible gambling authority.

Note for Australian players: Australia does not currently operate a single national online self-exclusion scheme covering all offshore operators. However, various state and territory regulators provide venue-based exclusion programs and some online tools. Contact Gambling Help Online or your local regulator for details.

Blocking Apps and Technical Tools

Technical blocking tools can help reduce temptation by restricting access to gambling sites and apps on your devices:

• Gamban: A subscription-based software that blocks access to a wide range of gambling websites and apps across devices.
  • Website: gamban.com
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
• BetBlocker: A free blocking application that restricts access to gambling websites.
  • Website: betblocker.org
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
• Device and network-level controls:
  • Use parental-control settings on your devices or home router to block gambling-related domains.
  • Ask your bank or card provider whether they offer gambling-transaction blocks on debit or credit cards.

Family and Friends Support Resources

Family members and close friends affected by someone else's gambling can also receive support, advice and counselling. Many of the services above (including Gambling Help Online in Australia) provide dedicated resources for loved ones, including:

• Confidential advice on how to protect your own finances and wellbeing.
• Guidance on how to talk about gambling problems safely and constructively.
• Support groups, online forums and peer networks for affected others.

Confidentiality: The external services listed here operate independently of Up Town Pokies and Up Town Pokies. Your conversations with them are confidential and are not shared with the operator, except where required by law in their jurisdiction (for example, imminent risk of harm).

Help for Family

Gambling problems rarely affect only the person who gambles; family members, partners, friends and colleagues can also experience emotional stress, financial pressure and relationship strain. If you are worried about someone else's gambling, you are entitled to support and protection.

Talking to Someone About Their Gambling

• Choose an appropriate time and place: Speak when the person is sober, not actively gambling, and there is enough privacy to talk without interruption.
• Focus on concerns, not blame: Use "I" statements such as "I feel worried when..." instead of accusations like "You always...". This reduces defensiveness.
• Be specific: Mention particular behaviours you have noticed (missed bills, frequent deposits, secrecy) and how they affect you or the family.
• Listen actively: Give them space to respond. They may feel ashamed or scared. A compassionate response can encourage openness.
• Offer support, not rescue: You cannot control their behaviour, but you can encourage them to seek professional help and set healthy boundaries to protect yourself.

Engaging Them in Support

• Suggest contacting a confidential helpline such as 1800 858 858 (Gambling Help Online in Australia) together, or sitting with them while they explore the website.
• Propose a joint visit to a GP, counsellor or financial advisor to discuss the impact of gambling.
• Encourage them to use self-exclusion and blocking tools if they feel unable to control their access to gambling sites.
• Respect their autonomy while making it clear what boundaries you need to keep yourself safe (for example, separating finances).

Family Support Groups and Resources

• Gambling Help Online (Australia): Provides information and support for family and friends, including online forums and resources on coping strategies:
  • Website: gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Gam-Anon: A fellowship for families and friends of people with gambling problems:
  • Website: gam-anon.org
  • Resources: Meeting finder, literature, and guidance for affected others.
• Local community services in Australia: Many community health centres, financial counselling services and family support organisations offer specific programs for those affected by gambling. Contact your state or territory gambling help service for referrals.

Next Steps for Loved Ones

• Seek professional advice: Speak to a counsellor, psychologist, GP or social worker about the emotional impact on you and your family.
• Protect finances: Consider separating bank accounts, limiting shared credit access, and seeking financial counselling to address debts.
• Look after yourself: Ensure you have your own support network, time for self-care, and access to independent advice so that you are not managing this situation alone.

Operator's Commitment

Up Town Pokies is operated by Deckmedia N.V., an offshore private company associated with E-Zone Vredenberg, Curaçao, under a claimed reference to a Curaçao master licence (8048/JAZ) rather than an Australian licence. While the brand is on the ACMA blacklist and its services are prohibited for Australian residents, the operator states an internal commitment to reducing gambling-related harm among its users, where legally able to do so under its licensing jurisdiction.

Internal Risk-Check Procedures

Subject to technical capabilities and legal constraints, the operator may implement the following monitoring measures:

• Behavioural analysis: Automated monitoring of account activity to identify potential risk patterns, such as rapid, repeated deposits, unusually long sessions, frequent bonus redemption combined with high wagering, or repeated failed deposit attempts.
• Age and identity verification: Requests for documentation to verify age and identity, in line with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer (KYC) standards applicable in its licensing jurisdiction. Underage gambling is strictly prohibited.
• Reality checks and notifications: On-site messages or pop-ups reminding players of time spent or significant net losses during a session, where technically available.
• Restriction tools: Access to account-level tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion as described earlier, where supported by the platform.

When Support May Initiate Contact

Without guaranteeing monitoring or intervention, and subject to privacy and data protection obligations in its jurisdiction, the operator may choose to contact you in certain situations, for example:

• When account activity strongly suggests loss of control (for example, repeated large deposits within a short period, or drastic changes in betting behaviour).
• When you explicitly request help, information about responsible gaming tools, or self-exclusion via [email protected].
• When you send messages indicating distress, financial hardship, or concerns about your gambling.

In such cases, support staff may:

• Provide information about limits, self-exclusion and external support organisations.
• Temporarily restrict your account while confirming your preferences regarding limits or exclusion.
• Decline to reverse self-exclusion or reduce protective measures where doing so might reasonably increase the risk of harm.

Australian regulatory note: These measures are not supervised by Australian regulators. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits the provision of many online gambling services to people in Australia, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) may order internet service providers to block access to services such as Up Town Pokies. Australian residents are strongly encouraged to use locally regulated support channels and to be aware that offshore operators may not offer protections equivalent to Australian-licensed services.

Updates

Responsible gambling practices, legal requirements and internal procedures may change over time. Up Town Pokies and uptownpokies-aussie.com may update this Responsible Gaming page to reflect:

• Changes in the operator's responsible gambling tools, such as new types of limits or self-exclusion options.
• Updates to external support contact details, including Australian helplines and international organisations.
• Developments in relevant laws and regulatory guidance, particularly in Australia and Curaçao.

How you will be notified:

• By publishing the revised Responsible Gaming information on this page, accessible via uptownpokies-aussie.com.
• Where appropriate, by displaying notices or banners on the website, drawing attention to material changes.
• For significant changes affecting your rights or the operation of responsible gambling tools, by sending an email to the address registered in your player account, where permitted.

It is your responsibility to review this page regularly to remain informed about available protections and relevant legal information.

Last updated: 6 March 2026.

Contact & Feedback

If you have questions about responsible gaming, wish to request limits or self-exclusion, or want to provide feedback on the measures described on this page, you can contact the operator through the following channels:

• Responsible Gaming / Support Email: [email protected]
• General Information Email: [email protected]

Phone numbers and dedicated contact forms for responsible gaming have not been specified by the operator. If an online contact or feedback form becomes available on https://uptownpokies-aussie.com, you may use it to:

• Request account-level protections (limits, time-outs, self-exclusion).
• Ask questions about how responsible gaming tools work on the platform.
• Provide anonymous feedback or suggestions to improve player protection and support.

Important disclaimer for Australian residents: Up Town Pokies, operated by Deckmedia N.V. from Curaçao (E-Zone Vredenberg), is not licensed in Australia and is listed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as an illegal offshore gambling service. Accessing or using this service from Australia may expose you to significant legal, financial and consumer-protection risks. For legally supervised assistance, please prioritise Australian government-endorsed services such as Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) and consult the ACMA website for current information on illegal gambling sites and consumer guidance.