Last updated: May 2026 — Lachlan Drummond, Owlbearbbq
At Owlbearbbq, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. While we love helping Australian players find the best games and casinos, we take our responsibility to player welfare just as seriously. Lachlan Drummond and the entire Owlbearbbq team are committed to promoting safe, informed, and responsible gambling practices across everything we publish at owlbearbbq.com.
Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. If gambling ever stops feeling fun, it is important to take action early. This page gives you the tools, resources, and information you need to stay in control.
Owlbearbbq operates a strict 18+ policy. All online casinos and pokie sites we review and recommend must verify the age of every player before allowing real-money play. We do not endorse, promote, or recommend any gambling product or service to anyone under the age of 18. If you are under 18, please leave this site immediately.
If you are a parent or guardian, we strongly encourage you to use parental control software such as Gamban, Net Nanny, or Bark to prevent underage access to gambling websites.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of experience or income. Recognising the warning signs early is one of the most important steps you can take. Common signs include:
If any of these signs sound familiar, please reach out for support. You are not alone, and help is available right now.
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, it may be time to speak with a professional or take a break from gambling.
All reputable online casinos recommended on Owlbearbbq offer a range of built-in tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. We encourage every player to use these features proactively, not only when problems arise.
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much money you can deposit into your casino account. Once the limit is reached, no further deposits are accepted until the period resets. You can usually lower your limit instantly, while increasing it requires a waiting period.
Reality check notifications alert you at set intervals, reminding you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. These prompts help you stay aware of time and money without disrupting your session unexpectedly.
A cooling-off period temporarily suspends your account for a set number of days, weeks, or months. This gives you breathing room without permanently closing your account. It is a useful first step if you feel you need a short break.
Self-exclusion allows you to block yourself from accessing a casino for an extended period, typically from six months to several years or permanently. In Australia, the BetStop National Self-Exclusion Register lets you self-exclude from all licensed Australian online wagering services in one step. Visit betstop.gov.au to register for free.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please contact one of the following free and confidential services:
Owlbearbbq also recommends the following internationally recognised organisations for information, self-help tools, and professional support:
We genuinely care about the wellbeing of every person who visits owlbearbbq.com. Our reviews, guides, and recommendations are built on the foundation that gambling should always be fun, voluntary, and within your means. If it ever becomes anything else, please use the resources on this page without hesitation. There is no shame in asking for help, and taking that first step is a sign of real strength.