Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino gaming should only ever be viewed as entertainment, similar to going to the movies or playing sports. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the house, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
At artsmildura.org, we are committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling practices across Australia.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your state or territory) to access and use any online pokies or casino services in Australia.
By accessing gambling services, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement and are not prohibited from gambling under Australian law. If you are under the legal age, please do not proceed.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop without you realising it. Please review the following warning signs:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or planning your next gambling session
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Becoming restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Chasing your losses by gambling more to try to recover lost money
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or healthcare professionals
- Using gambling to escape problems, anxiety, or depression
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling activities
- Neglecting work, school, relationships, or other important activities due to gambling
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools
Responsible gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session.
- Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks from gambling and limit your playing time.
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications during your gaming session to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling platforms for a set period, preventing access to your account.
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely.
Most reputable online pokies providers in Australia will offer these tools as standard features. We encourage you to use them.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au โ Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia. Phone: 1800 858 858
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: Support groups and peer help for problem gamblers across Australia
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk โ Self-exclusion scheme
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org
These organisations provide free, confidential support and are staffed by trained counsellors who understand problem gambling.
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with the right support. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling:
- Reach out today. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Use self-exclusion tools. Most online pokies providers allow you to self-exclude immediately.
- Talk to someone you trust. Family, friends, or a healthcare professional can provide support.
- Seek professional help. Counsellors and therapists specialising in gambling addiction are available.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is always available.
Disclaimer: This responsible gaming information is provided for educational purposes. Gambling involves risk and may not be suitable for everyone. Always gamble within your means and seek professional help if gambling is causing you distress.