Last updated: May 2026 — Lachlan Hargreaves, Chicdesigninvestments
At Chicdesigninvestments, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable, entertaining experience — never a source of stress, financial hardship, or harm. Our founder, Lachlan Hargreaves, built this site on the principle that honest, responsible guidance matters more than simply promoting gambling products. That means we take player welfare seriously, and this page exists to make sure every visitor has access to the information and tools they need to stay in control.
We are committed to promoting safe gambling practices across the Australian market. Whether you are a casual player or someone who enjoys pokies regularly, understanding your limits and knowing where to get help is essential. Please read this page carefully.
Chicdesigninvestments operates a strict 18+ only policy. All content published on chicdesigninvestments.com is intended exclusively for adults aged 18 years and older. Online gambling is illegal for minors in Australia, and we fully support all age verification measures enforced by licensed casino operators. If you are under 18, please leave this site immediately. If you are a parent or guardian, we encourage you to use parental control software to restrict access to gambling-related content.
Problem gambling occurs when gambling stops being fun and starts causing negative consequences in your life. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Recognising the early warning signs is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect yourself and the people around you.
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, it may be worth speaking to a professional support service.
This checklist is not a clinical diagnosis. If you have concerns, please reach out to one of the organisations listed below.
All reputable online casinos licensed to serve Australian players offer a range of responsible gambling tools. We strongly encourage all players to use these features proactively, not just reactively.
Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much money you can deposit into your casino account. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your spending within a budget you are comfortable with.
Reality check reminders notify you at set intervals — for example, every 30 or 60 minutes — to let you know how long you have been playing and how much you have spent. These prompts help you stay aware of your session in real time.
A cooling-off period allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a short duration, typically between 24 hours and 30 days. This gives you space to reflect on your gambling habits without permanently closing your account.
Self-exclusion is a formal commitment to stop gambling for a defined period, which can range from several months to permanently. In Australia, the BetStop National Self-Exclusion Register allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed interactive wagering services in one step. Visit betstop.gov.au to register. Individual casino operators also offer their own self-exclusion programmes accessible through your account settings or by contacting customer support directly.
You do not have to face gambling problems alone. The following organisations provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental support.
Gambling should always remain a choice — one made freely, with full awareness and within your means. If at any point it feels like something else, please use the tools and resources on this page. Lachlan Hargreaves and the entire Chicdesigninvestments team are proud to support a safer gambling environment in Australia in 2026 and beyond. Your wellbeing always comes first.