Responsible Gambling

Gambling should always be an entertaining activity that brings enjoyment and excitement to your leisure time. However, we understand that for some individuals, gambling can become more than just entertainment and may lead to serious problems. As a responsible gaming operator, we are committed to promoting safe gambling practices and providing comprehensive resources to help our players maintain control over their gaming activities. This page contains essential information about responsible gambling, warning signs to watch for, tools available to help you stay in control, and resources where you can seek help if needed.

Understanding Problem Gambling

Problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction or gambling disorder, is a behavioural condition that affects individuals who lose control over their gambling activities. Unlike casual recreational gambling, problem gambling involves persistent and recurrent gambling behaviour that leads to significant distress or impairment in personal, family, or occupational functioning. In Australia, research indicates that approximately 1% of the adult population experiences moderate to severe gambling problems, while another 1.4% are at risk of developing such problems.

Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, income level, or educational background. It often develops gradually, with individuals initially enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment before gradually losing control. The accessibility of online gambling platforms has made it easier for people to gamble frequently and for extended periods, potentially accelerating the development of gambling problems. Understanding that problem gambling is a recognised mental health condition is crucial for reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek appropriate help when needed.

Recognising Warning Signs

Identifying the early warning signs of problem gambling is essential for preventing the condition from escalating. Many individuals with gambling problems may not immediately recognise their behaviour as problematic, making awareness of these signs particularly important for both players and their loved ones.

  1. Spending more time and money gambling than originally intended
  2. Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling
  3. Using gambling as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
  4. Lying to family members, therapists, or others about gambling activities
  5. Chasing losses by gambling more frequently or with larger amounts
  6. Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
  7. Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling activities
  8. Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed about gambling behaviour
  9. Unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce, or stop gambling
  10. Risking or losing important relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling

If you recognise several of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate the development of a gambling problem. Early intervention is crucial for preventing the condition from worsening and minimising its impact on various aspects of life.

Self-Assessment Tools

Regular self-assessment is a valuable practice for maintaining awareness of your gambling habits and identifying potential problems before they become severe. Several validated screening tools can help you evaluate your gambling behaviour and determine whether you may benefit from additional support or intervention.

The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is one of the most widely used assessment tools in Australia. This questionnaire evaluates gambling behaviour over the past twelve months and categorises respondents into different risk levels, including non-problem gambling, low-risk gambling, moderate-risk gambling, and problem gambling. Taking this assessment honestly can provide valuable insights into your gambling patterns and help you make informed decisions about your gaming activities.

Another useful tool is the Lie/Bet Questionnaire, which consists of just two simple questions: “Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?” and “Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?” Answering yes to either question may indicate the presence of a gambling problem and suggest the need for further evaluation or professional assistance.

Deposit and Loss Limits

Setting financial limits is one of the most effective ways to maintain control over your gambling activities. Our platform provides comprehensive tools that allow you to establish various types of limits to help manage your spending and prevent excessive gambling.

  1. Daily deposit limits restrict the amount you can deposit within a 24-hour period
  2. Weekly deposit limits control your total deposits over a seven-day period
  3. Monthly deposit limits set boundaries for your gambling expenditure over an entire month
  4. Loss limits prevent you from losing more than a predetermined amount within specified timeframes
  5. Wagering limits control the total amount you can bet within designated periods

When setting these limits, consider your disposable income and ensure that your gambling budget does not interfere with essential expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, or other financial obligations. Remember that increases to existing limits do not take effect immediately and typically require a cooling-off period, while decreases can be applied instantly. This system helps prevent impulsive decisions during emotional moments that might lead to excessive gambling.

Time Management Controls

Managing the time spent gambling is equally important as controlling financial expenditure. Extended gambling sessions can lead to poor decision-making, increased risk-taking behaviour, and neglect of other important activities and responsibilities. Our platform offers several time management tools designed to help you maintain a healthy balance between gambling and other aspects of your life.

Session time limits automatically end your gambling session after a predetermined period, ensuring you take regular breaks and maintain perspective on your gambling activities. Reality checks provide periodic reminders about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent, helping you make conscious decisions about whether to continue gambling or take a break. These notifications appear at intervals you can customise based on your preferences and needs.

It is recommended to set reasonable session limits that allow for enjoyable gambling experiences while preventing excessive play. Consider scheduling gambling activities during specific times and avoiding gambling when you are tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or other substances, as these conditions can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making.

Self-Exclusion and Take a Break

Sometimes the most responsible action is to step away from gambling entirely, either temporarily or permanently. Our platform provides flexible self-exclusion options that cater to different needs and circumstances, ensuring that players can take appropriate breaks when necessary.

The “Take a Break” feature allows you to suspend your account for periods ranging from 24 hours to six weeks. During this time, you cannot access your account, make deposits, or participate in any gambling activities. This cooling-off period can be particularly helpful during stressful times, when you feel your gambling is getting out of control, or when you simply want to reassess your gambling habits.

Self-exclusion is a more comprehensive tool that blocks access to your account for extended periods, typically ranging from six months to five years or permanently. Once activated, self-exclusion cannot be reversed during the chosen period, regardless of any requests to reopen the account. This irreversible nature ensures that the exclusion remains effective even during moments of temptation or impulse.

For maximum protection, consider registering with state and national self-exclusion registers, which can prevent you from accessing gambling venues and services across multiple operators and platforms throughout Australia.

Support for Family and Friends

Problem gambling affects not only the individual gambler but also their family members, friends, and broader social network. The emotional, financial, and social consequences of gambling problems can create significant stress and hardship for loved ones who may feel helpless or unsure about how to provide appropriate support.

If someone you care about is experiencing gambling problems, approach the situation with empathy, patience, and understanding. Avoid judgment, criticism, or attempts to control their behaviour, as these approaches often prove counterproductive and may drive the person to become more secretive about their gambling activities. Instead, focus on expressing your concerns clearly and offering support in finding professional help.

Encourage open and honest communication about gambling and its impact on relationships and family dynamics. Be prepared to listen without judgment and avoid enabling behaviours such as lending money or covering up the consequences of gambling problems. Setting clear boundaries about what support you are willing to provide is essential for maintaining your own wellbeing while still being supportive.

Consider seeking support for yourself through counselling services or support groups specifically designed for family members and friends of problem gamblers. These resources can provide valuable strategies for coping with the situation and maintaining healthy relationships.

Protecting Minors

Protecting children and adolescents from gambling-related harm is a critical responsibility for parents, guardians, and society as a whole. Young people are particularly vulnerable to developing gambling problems due to their developing brain structures, limited impulse control, and susceptibility to risk-taking behaviours.

  1. Monitor your children’s online activities and implement appropriate filtering software
  2. Keep gambling accounts secure and never share login credentials
  3. Educate children about the risks associated with gambling from an age-appropriate perspective
  4. Model responsible attitudes towards money, risk, and entertainment
  5. Be aware of gambling-like elements in video games and social media platforms
  6. Maintain open communication about gambling and respond to questions honestly
  7. Seek professional help if you suspect a minor is engaging in gambling activities

Create household rules about gambling and ensure that payment methods cannot be accessed by minors. Regularly review bank and credit card statements to identify any unauthorised gambling transactions. If you discover that a minor has been gambling, address the situation calmly but seriously, seeking professional guidance if necessary.

Professional Help and Support Services

Various professional support services are available throughout Australia for individuals experiencing gambling problems and their affected family members. These services provide confidential, non-judgmental assistance and evidence-based treatments designed to help people regain control over their gambling behaviour.

Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support through webchat, email, and telephone services. Their qualified counsellors provide crisis support, brief intervention, and ongoing counselling to help individuals address their gambling problems. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that help is available when needed most.

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from gambling addiction. Regular meetings provide peer support and a structured approach to recovery based on proven principles and shared experiences.

Professional counselling services offered through community health centres, private practices, and specialised gambling treatment services provide individualised treatment plans that may include cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches. Many of these services also offer family counselling and financial counselling to address the broader impact of gambling problems.

Resources and Further Information

Additional resources and information can help you develop a comprehensive understanding of responsible gambling and access appropriate support when needed. These resources provide valuable insights into gambling behaviours, treatment options, and strategies for maintaining control over gambling activities.

The Australian Government Department of Social Services provides extensive information about gambling and its regulation, including research findings, policy initiatives, and links to support services. State and territory governments also maintain comprehensive resources about gambling laws, consumer protection measures, and available support services within their jurisdictions.

Academic research institutions regularly publish findings about gambling behaviour, treatment effectiveness, and prevention strategies. Staying informed about current research can help you make educated decisions about gambling and understand the factors that contribute to both recreational gambling and problem gambling behaviours.

Remember that seeking help for gambling problems is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible with appropriate support, and many people successfully overcome gambling problems to rebuild healthy, fulfilling lives. Taking the first step toward getting help is often the most challenging part of the recovery process, but it is also the most important step toward regaining control over your life and relationships.

Last updated: November 2024

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