If you are taking a break from gambling, changing contact preferences is only one part of protecting that break. The Pokies does not describe a built-in self-exclusion register or VIP-specific exclusion tool, so you need to contact support and remove promotional triggers yourself. This guide explains what to request, what to expect from the pokies.net links and related messages, and why Australian safeguards still matter.
Start by asking The Pokies to close or restrict your account
The clearest step is to send support a direct request for temporary or permanent closure. The site states that an account can be closed temporarily or completely by messaging support. Use the email address linked to your account, include your full name and registered email, and say that you want gambling access stopped rather than simply receiving fewer marketing messages.
State exactly what “self-exclusion” means for you
Ask for account closure, removal from promotional contact lists and no VIP invitations, cashback messages or bonus reminders. Request written confirmation. Keep a copy of your message and any reply, because a marketing preference change may not prevent access to the account itself.
Set contact preferences across every channel
The Pokies advertises 24/7 live chat, email support and an FAQ. Contact preferences may not update at the same speed across all channels, so repeat the same request through the available support route if messages continue. Do not rely on an unsubscribe link alone when your goal is a gambling break.
Ask for marketing suppression, not just fewer messages
Your request should cover email, SMS, live-chat promotions and VIP contact. You can also ask support to remove your details from campaign lists connected with old numbered domains or affiliate pages. Do not provide new payment or identity details while you are trying to close the account.
Understand what VIP status does and does not change
The VIP programme has ten levels, from Copper to Rhodium. The published ladder includes XP redemption rewards and, from Bronze upwards, wager-free rewards. It does not describe a personal manager, faster withdrawals or a dedicated self-exclusion process. A high status therefore should not delay a closure request or encourage you to negotiate for special treatment.
Do not treat VIP rewards as a reason to continue
Promotional messages can make a break harder, especially when they mention a large reward. The published Rhodium level requires 10,000,000 additional XP and lists a A$100,000 wager-free bonus plus a Lamborghini Huracán. Those figures are not a reason to keep an account open, and reward eligibility should not override your decision to stop.
The published ladder gives useful context, but it does not explain how quickly XP is earned or whether levels are downgraded. The key contact-related details are below.
| VIP level | Additional XP | XP redemption bonus | Wager-free bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Starting level | None listed | None listed |
| Steel | 125 | A$2.50 | None listed |
| Chrome | 500 | A$10 | None listed |
| Bronze | 2,000 | A$40 | A$25 |
| Silver | 7,500 | A$150 | A$120 |
| Gold | 30,000 | A$600 | A$600 |
Check Australian self-exclusion protection
BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register, launched on 21 August 2023. It covers licensed wagering providers, not illegal offshore casinos such as The Pokies. That means registering with BetStop will not automatically block this operator. You should still register if you use covered services, while separately asking The Pokies to close your account.
Use support services if contact becomes difficult
For immediate help, the National Gambling Helpline is available on 1800 858 858, free and confidential, 24 hours a day. Gambling Help Online also offers counselling, live chat and email. These services can help you plan practical barriers, manage urges and decide which accounts, devices or payment methods need attention.
Remove bonus and promotional triggers
Search your inbox, text messages and saved browser passwords for gambling-related reminders. Delete promotional emails after recording any closure confirmation, block sender addresses where possible and remove bookmarks. Avoid searching for phrases such as the pokies no deposit bonus code, because bonus searches can bring you back to affiliate pages and promotional content.
Ignore conflicting bonus claims
The welcome offer has appeared in different versions, including A$10 after mobile verification and first-deposit matches with varying caps and wagering terms. Search phrases such as the pokies promo code no deposit or the pokies welcome bonus may produce outdated information. A self-exclusion request is more important than checking which offer is current.
A simple written checklist helps you act before another message changes your mind:
- Send a clear temporary or permanent account-closure request.
- Ask for removal from email, SMS and VIP marketing lists.
- Request written confirmation and save the reply.
- Register with BetStop for Australian services that it covers.
- Contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 if you need support.
Keep a record and watch for further contact
Save screenshots of your request, the date sent, support replies and any later promotional message. If contact continues, reply once with the original request and ask for escalation. Do not reopen the account to investigate a message. Reviews on the pokies trustpilot profile and other platforms describe disputes around withdrawals and verification, so keeping records is sensible if account access or funds become an issue.
Some practical account details differ across pages, which makes written confirmation especially valuable. The following figures should not be treated as guaranteed outcomes.
| Account detail | Published information | What to do during self-exclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Support availability | 24/7 live chat | Send the closure request and keep the transcript |
| Email response | Advertised within a few hours | Wait for written confirmation rather than assuming closure |
| Withdrawal processing | One page says within 24 hours; complaints report longer delays | Record any pending balance before closure |
| Withdrawal method | Australian bank transfer only | Keep bank and transaction records separate |
| Minimum age | 18+ on the site | Age does not replace a self-exclusion request |
Practical takeaway
Do not rely on VIP support, an unsubscribe button or BetStop alone. Ask The Pokies to close the account and suppress every form of promotional contact, save the evidence, remove gambling reminders and use the National Gambling Helpline if staying away feels difficult. A firm, written request gives you the clearest record and the strongest practical boundary available.