Responsible play

Responsible Play at Ember & Odds

Our commitment to safe, welcoming environments guides everything we do in our Card Lounge and Poker Room. Every Offline Poker, Card Lounge and Card Room experience at Ember & Odds is shaped around social entertainment, connection and wellbeing.

Social Poker, Not Gambling

All Offline Poker and Card Lounge experiences at Ember & Odds are designed purely for social card play. Guests enjoy Texas Hold'em nights, friendly card games and community poker sessions using symbolic poker chips exclusively for entertainment.

No gambling, no betting and no real-money prizes are offered or permitted on our Poker Tables, in our Card Room or in any Private Card Lounge experience.

Offline Poker Symbolic poker chips Social poker Community focus

Our Poker Philosophy

We believe Offline Poker should foster connection, fun and skillful play. The Ember & Odds Card Lounge is a community space where guests gather for friendly card games, relaxed Texas Hold'em nights and memorable poker gatherings built on respect and hospitality.

Our Poker Tables, session formats and Private Poker Tables are curated to highlight conversation, shared moments and the premium card experience, not high-pressure outcomes.

Card Lounge designed for conversation and comfort
Texas Hold'em and social poker sessions
Symbolic poker chips as a visual game aid
Focus on camaraderie and hospitality

Guidelines and safeguards

House Guidelines and Safe Play

Clear expectations help every guest enjoy our Card Room, Offline Poker tables and Lounge spaces with confidence. Our house guidelines protect the relaxed, recreational nature of every session.

House Guidelines

Our house rules and conduct guidelines are prominently displayed throughout the Card Lounge and Poker Room so guests can easily understand how we maintain a respectful, inclusive environment.

Card activities are strictly recreational and social
No gambling, betting or cash-based play at any time
Respectful behaviour towards guests and staff
Time-limited poker sessions with breaks encouraged
Clear expectations for Private Poker Tables and group bookings

Safe Social Spaces

Our card room layout, table spacing and session schedules are designed to create relaxed, unpressured card experiences. From social poker evenings to Corporate Poker Evenings, the emphasis remains firmly on community and enjoyment.

Comfortable seating and thoughtfully lit Card Lounge zones
Session times structured to avoid extended continuous play
Private Poker Tables available for low-key private groups
Symbolic poker chips used as visual tools, not currency

Protecting our community

We welcome guests aged 18+ for all card activities in the Card Lounge and Poker Room, and we respect all local laws and national guidelines relevant to social gaming venues in Australia. Our team may request valid identification to confirm age for any card-related experience.

Families and younger guests are warmly welcomed in our restaurant dining spaces, with card activities reserved for adults in clearly designated areas.

People first

Staff Training and Guest Support

Responsible Play at Ember & Odds is a shared responsibility. Our team is trained to champion safe, enjoyable Offline Poker experiences and to support guests with sensitivity and care.

Staff Training

Every team member working in the Card Lounge or around our Poker Tables receives comprehensive training on responsible play and guest wellbeing.

Understanding the social, non-gambling nature of all card activities
Recognising signs of discomfort, fatigue or distress
How to pause or conclude sessions courteously when needed
Providing information about breaks, dining and alternate activities
Escalation pathways for safety or conduct concerns

Proactive Guest Support

We encourage open, confidential conversations with our team. If you have concerns about your own experience, the pace of a session or another guest, our staff are here to assist discreetly.

Private check-ins available during Offline Poker sessions
Options to step away, change tables or conclude play
Guidance on booking quieter Private Card Lounge spaces
Information on support services where appropriate

Information and support

Helpful Resources

While Ember & Odds offers only social, recreational card experiences with symbolic poker chips, we recognise that wellbeing is personal. We provide access to independent resources for any guest seeking additional information or guidance around responsible play.

Guests are welcome to request a current list of support organisations from our team at any time during their visit or by contacting us directly via our Contact page.

These organisations may include:

Australian-based wellbeing and counselling helplines
Community health services with a focus on balance and lifestyle
Online educational resources about responsible recreation

Support contacts are provided as an additional resource only. Ember & Odds does not operate as a gambling venue and does not offer gambling, betting or real-money play of any kind.

Ongoing promise

Commitment to Improvement

Responsible Play is an evolving standard. As Offline Poker and social card communities grow, so too does our commitment to thoughtful hosting and continuous refinement.

Ember & Odds regularly reviews its Responsible Play policies to uphold an exceptional, guest-first experience for all visitors to our Card Lounge, Card Room and Private Poker Tables.

Routine reviews of house guidelines and card room practices
Guest feedback channels for Card Lounge and Offline Poker experiences
Ongoing staff development focused on hospitality and wellbeing
Adjustments to session formats, Weekly Poker Events and Texas Hold'em nights to preserve a relaxed, social environment

If you have suggestions on how we can enhance Responsible Play at Ember & Odds, we invite you to share them with our team or via our Contact Us page.

Plan a responsible night at Ember & Odds

Combine premium dining, Signature Drinks and Friendly Card Games in our Private Card Lounge or at our Weekly Poker Sessions. Every experience is designed for social enjoyment, with Offline Poker offered solely as a relaxed, recreational highlight of your evening.

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