Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Voices for Wollongong, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Pokies and online gambling are games of chance designed for fun, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Playing should never exceed what you can afford to lose, and it should never interfere with your responsibilities, relationships, or wellbeing.
Age Verification
Gambling in Australia is only available to persons aged 18 years or older. It is illegal for minors to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss responsible gaming practices with young people in their care.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting family, work, education, or social commitments
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
Self-Help Tools
Many gaming platforms and operators offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to deposit over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum loss limit to prevent spending more than you can afford
- Reality Checks: Enable regular reminders during gaming sessions to check how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling platforms for a set period or indefinitely
- Session Time Limits: Set alarms to remind yourself to take breaks
- Account Closure: Permanently close your gambling account if needed
We encourage you to use these tools proactively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help and support are available. The following organisations provide free, confidential assistance across Australia and internationally:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free online counselling and resources
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call) - Gambler's Help – Telephone counselling and support
Phone: 1800 858 858
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free gambling support and advice
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion register
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – Resources and support
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – Helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7, confidential)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
Phone: 0800 1 372 374 (free helpline)
Call to Action
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support—problem gambling is a recognised health issue, and professional help is effective and available to you.
Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak with your doctor, or reach out to a trusted family member or friend. Taking action early can prevent serious harm to your finances, relationships, and mental health.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available.