Responsible Gambling
Last updated: December 2024. Gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape from personal problems. At our platform, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring that our Australian players have access to the tools and resources they need to maintain control over their gaming activities. This comprehensive guide outlines essential information about responsible gambling, warning signs of problem gambling, and the support systems available to help you maintain a healthy relationship with online gaming.
1. Understanding Problem Gambling
Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including many Australians. It occurs when gambling activities begin to negatively impact your life, relationships, finances, or mental health. Unlike occasional recreational gambling, problem gambling involves a persistent and recurring pattern of gambling behaviour that leads to significant distress and impairment in personal, family, or occupational functioning.
In Australia, research indicates that approximately 0.4% to 1% of the adult population experiences problem gambling, with many more at risk of developing gambling-related harm. The accessibility of online gambling platforms has made it easier than ever to engage in continuous gambling activities, making awareness and prevention more crucial than ever before.
| Stage | Characteristics | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational Gambling | Occasional play for entertainment, within budget limits | No negative impact |
| At-Risk Gambling | Increased frequency, some budget concerns, minor stress | Minimal impact |
| Problem Gambling | Loss of control, chasing losses, lying about gambling | Moderate to severe impact |
| Pathological Gambling | Complete loss of control, severe financial and personal consequences | Severe impact on all life areas |
2. Recognising Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Identifying the early warning signs of problem gambling is crucial for preventing the development of a gambling disorder. These signs can be behavioural, emotional, financial, or physical, and they often develop gradually over time. Being aware of these indicators can help you or your loved ones take appropriate action before the situation becomes more serious.
The warning signs of problem gambling can manifest in various ways and may not always be immediately obvious. Some individuals may exhibit multiple signs simultaneously, while others may show only a few indicators initially. It’s important to remember that experiencing one or two of these signs doesn’t necessarily indicate a gambling problem, but multiple signs occurring together or increasing in frequency should be taken seriously.
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
- Gambling for longer periods than initially planned
- Chasing losses by increasing bet sizes or gambling more frequently
- Lying to family and friends about gambling activities or losses
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when unable to gamble
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling activities
- Thinking about gambling constantly, even during other activities
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or other problems
- Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling behaviour
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling activities
- Attempting to quit or reduce gambling but being unable to do so
3. Self-Assessment Tools and Regular Check-ins
Regular self-assessment is an essential component of responsible gambling. By honestly evaluating your gambling habits and their impact on your life, you can identify potential issues early and take appropriate action. Self-assessment tools provide structured ways to examine your gambling behaviour objectively and determine whether you may be at risk of developing gambling-related problems.
We encourage all players to perform regular check-ins with themselves about their gambling activities. This process should include reviewing your gambling expenditure, time spent gambling, emotional responses to wins and losses, and the overall impact of gambling on your daily life. Consider keeping a gambling diary to track these factors over time, as patterns may become more apparent when documented consistently.
| Assessment Area | Key Questions | Healthy Response |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Control | Are you gambling within your predetermined budget? Have you spent money meant for essentials? | Staying within limits, no impact on necessary expenses |
| Time Management | How much time do you spend gambling? Does it interfere with other activities? | Balanced time allocation, no neglect of responsibilities |
| Emotional State | How do you feel before, during, and after gambling? Do you gamble to cope with stress? | Gambling for fun, not as emotional regulation |
| Social Impact | Has gambling affected your relationships? Do you hide your gambling from others? | Open communication, no relationship strain |
4. Self-Control Tools and Limit Setting
Effective self-control tools are fundamental to maintaining responsible gambling habits. These tools help you establish and maintain boundaries around your gambling activities, ensuring that your entertainment remains within safe and affordable limits. Modern online gambling platforms offer various built-in features designed to support responsible gambling, and we strongly encourage all players to utilise these tools proactively.
Setting limits before you begin gambling is crucial for maintaining control. These limits should be based on your disposable income and available time, not on potential winnings or losses. Remember that limits should be viewed as firm boundaries, not suggestions, and they should never be increased during active gambling sessions when emotions may be running high.
- Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your account
- Loss limits: Establish maximum amounts you’re willing to lose in specific time periods
- Session time limits: Control how long you spend gambling in a single session
- Bet size limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can wager on individual bets or games
- Win limits: Set targets for winnings at which you’ll stop playing and withdraw funds
- Reality checks: Enable periodic reminders about time spent gambling and money wagered
- Account activity monitoring: Regularly review your gambling history and spending patterns
- Cool-off periods: Take short breaks from gambling to maintain perspective
5. Self-Exclusion and Time-Out Options
Self-exclusion and time-out options represent some of the most powerful tools available for individuals who recognise they need a break from gambling or who want to regain control over their gambling behaviour. These measures provide structured ways to step back from gambling activities and focus on other aspects of your life without the temptation to continue playing.
In Australia, self-exclusion programs are available both through individual operators and through national schemes. The National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER) allows individuals to exclude themselves from multiple online gambling services simultaneously, providing comprehensive protection across platforms. Understanding the differences between various exclusion options can help you choose the most appropriate level of intervention for your situation.
Time-out periods offer a temporary break from gambling activities and can range from 24 hours to several months, depending on your needs. During a time-out period, you won’t be able to access your account or participate in any gambling activities, but your account remains open for when the time-out expires. This option is ideal for players who feel they need a short break to regain perspective or deal with other life stressors.
Self-exclusion, on the other hand, involves a longer-term commitment to abstain from gambling. Self-exclusion periods typically range from six months to several years, and in some cases, can be permanent. During self-exclusion, your account will be closed, and you won’t receive any marketing communications or promotional offers. This option is more appropriate for individuals who recognise that they have developed a gambling problem and need extended time away from gambling to address underlying issues.
6. Support Resources and Professional Help
Recognising that you may need help with gambling-related issues is a sign of strength, not weakness. Australia offers numerous support resources specifically designed to help individuals and families affected by gambling problems. These services range from free counselling and support groups to specialised treatment programs and online resources.
Professional help is available through various channels, including face-to-face counselling, telephone support, online chat services, and peer support groups. Many of these services are free and confidential, ensuring that financial concerns or privacy worries don’t prevent you from seeking the help you need. The key is finding the right type of support that matches your specific situation and preferences.
- Gambling Help Online: Free counselling and support services available 24/7
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: Peer support groups following a 12-step program
- Lifeline Australia: Crisis support and suicide prevention services
- Beyond Blue: Mental health support and resources
- Financial counselling services: Help with debt management and budgeting
- State-based gambling help services: Localised support in each Australian state and territory
- Employee assistance programs: Workplace-based support services
- Healthcare professionals: GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists with gambling specialisation
| Service Type | Contact Information | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au | 24/7 |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | 24/7 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Local meeting information available online | Regular meetings |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | 24/7 |
7. Protecting Minors and Family Considerations
Protecting minors from gambling-related harm is a shared responsibility that extends beyond individual operators to include parents, guardians, schools, and the broader community. In Australia, all forms of online gambling are strictly prohibited for individuals under 18 years of age, and robust age verification measures are in place to prevent underage access to gambling platforms.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in educating young people about gambling risks and monitoring their online activities. This includes understanding how young people might access gambling services, recognising signs of underage gambling, and creating open dialogue about responsible gambling principles. It’s also important to model healthy gambling behaviours and to be aware of how gambling activities might be influencing other family members.
Family members of problem gamblers often experience significant stress and may benefit from specialised support services. Many of the resources available to problem gamblers also provide assistance to affected family members, including counselling services, support groups, and educational materials. Understanding that problem gambling affects entire families, not just the individual gambler, is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.
- Implement parental controls on devices and internet connections
- Monitor online activities and financial transactions of minors
- Educate children and teenagers about gambling risks and advertising tactics
- Seek family counselling if gambling problems are affecting household dynamics
- Join support groups for families affected by gambling problems
- Learn about the warning signs of problem gambling in young people
- Create gambling-free environments and activities for family time
- Discuss responsible gambling principles as part of broader financial education
Remember that responsible gambling is an ongoing commitment that requires continuous attention and adjustment as circumstances change. By utilising the tools, resources, and support systems outlined in this guide, you can maintain a healthy relationship with gambling while minimising the risk of developing gambling-related problems. If you’re concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help and support.