Responsible Gambling

Understanding Gambling Risks

Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, but it's important to remember that it involves real financial risk. For some people, gambling can develop into a problem, impacting their finances, relationships, and overall well-being. Recognizing potential issues early and seeking support can make a significant difference in preventing harm and regaining control.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

It's important to be aware of the warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem. These signs can manifest in different ways:

• Behavioral: Gambling more frequently than intended, chasing losses in an attempt to win back money, lying to others about gambling habits, gambling in secret or hiding gambling activities.
• Financial: Borrowing money to gamble or cover gambling debts, selling possessions to fund gambling, using money intended for essential bills or expenses for gambling, experiencing financial hardship due to gambling losses, hiding financial losses from loved ones.
• Emotional: Experiencing anxiety or stress related to gambling, feeling depressed or hopeless about gambling losses, experiencing mood swings or irritability when not gambling, feeling restless or preoccupied with gambling.
• Social: Neglecting family, friends, or work responsibilities due to gambling, withdrawing from social activities and isolating oneself, experiencing relationship problems as a result of gambling, arguing with loved ones about gambling habits.

Setting Limits and Staying in Control

Implementing strategies to manage your gambling habits can help you stay in control and minimize potential harm:

• Set a budget: Before you start gambling, decide on a specific budget that you can afford to lose and stick to it.
• Use deposit and loss limits: Many online casinos offer deposit limits and loss limits. Take advantage of these tools to control how much money you spend.
• Set time limits: Decide how long you will gamble for and stick to your time limit.
• Never chase losses: If you lose, resist the urge to gamble more to try and win back your money. Accept the loss and stop gambling.
• Avoid gambling when upset: Don't gamble when you're feeling upset, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this can impair your judgment.
• Take regular breaks: Taking breaks from gambling can help you clear your head and make more rational decisions.
• Keep gambling separate: Ensure gambling doesn't interfere with other important aspects of your life, such as work, family, and social activities.

Self-Exclusion Programs in Australia

If you feel that your gambling is out of control, self-exclusion programs can provide a valuable tool to help you regain control.

BetStop - The National Self-Exclusion Register™

• How to register: https://betstop.gov.au/
• What it does: BetStop is a free Australian Government service that allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed interactive wagering service providers in Australia.
• Duration options: You can choose to exclude yourself for a minimum of three months, up to a maximum of permanent exclusion.
• How it works: Once registered, wagering providers are required to close your accounts and prevent you from opening new ones. They also must not send you any marketing material.

Additionally, many individual casinos and gambling venues offer their own voluntary exclusion programs. Contact the specific venue for details.

Getting Help and Support in Australia

If you are concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you know, it's important to seek help. There are many resources available in Australia to provide support and guidance. These services are confidential and non-judgmental.

Gambling Help Online

• Phone: 1800 858 858
• Website: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
• Services available: Free, confidential counseling and support online and over the phone, 24/7. They offer self-assessment tools, information about gambling problems, and referral to treatment services.

Additional Resources:

• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au/ - 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ - Provides information and support for depression and anxiety.
• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 9978 | https://mensline.org.au/ - Telephone and online counselling service for men.

Age Restrictions and Legal Requirements

You must be 18+ to gamble legally in Australia.

It is essential to only use casinos and gambling services that are licensed and regulated by the relevant Australian state or territory authority. This ensures that the operator adheres to strict standards of fairness and player protection.

The gambling regulator in Australia is the state or territory based regulator where gambling is offered. For example, in New South Wales, the regulator is the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA).

Verify operator licenses at the relevant state or territory regulator website. For example, for NSW: https://www.ilga.nsw.gov.au/

Resources and Helplines

Remember, you are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength. Use the resources listed above to get the support you need.