Last updated: May 2026 — Lachlan McGregor, Patdecaro
At Patdecaro, we believe that playing online pokies should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. Our founder, Lachlan McGregor, built this platform with a firm commitment to player welfare at its core. We take responsible gaming seriously, and we want every visitor to patdecaro.com to have access to the tools, knowledge, and support they need to gamble safely.
Gambling is a recreational activity for most people, but we understand that for some, it can become a source of harm. This page exists to help you recognise the warning signs, take control of your play, and find professional support if you ever need it.
Before placing any bet, we encourage all players to keep these principles in mind:
Problem gambling can develop gradually and is not always easy to spot. The following signs may indicate that gambling has moved beyond healthy recreation:
If any of these signs feel familiar, please reach out for help. There is no shame in doing so, and support is always available.
Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer yes to two or more, we strongly encourage you to speak with a professional support service:
Every reputable online casino listed on Patdecaro is required to offer a range of responsible gambling tools. We only recommend platforms that make these features easy to access:
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to control how much money you load into your account. These limits take effect immediately and are a simple, effective way to stay within your budget.
Enable timed pop-up reminders during your gaming sessions. These alerts let you know how long you have been playing and how much you have spent, helping you stay grounded and make conscious decisions.
If you feel you need a short break, request a cooling-off period ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. During this time, you will not be able to access your account or make deposits.
Self-exclusion allows you to block access to a casino for an extended period — typically between six months and five years, or permanently. In Australia, the national self-exclusion register BetStop (betstop.com.au) allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian gambling services in one step.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please contact one of the following free and confidential services:
The following organisations provide world-class resources, counselling, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling:
All gambling activity reviewed and recommended on patdecaro.com is strictly intended for adults aged 18 years and over. We do not condone underage gambling under any circumstances. If you are concerned that a minor may have access to gambling websites, please use parental control software such as Gamban or Net Nanny to block access at the device level.
We are passionate about online pokies, but we are equally passionate about the wellbeing of our readers. Lachlan McGregor and the entire Patdecaro team encourage you to gamble responsibly, know your limits, and never hesitate to seek help. You are never alone, and support is always just a phone call or click away.