Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
Online pokies and casino games are designed for entertainment purposes only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to recover losses or relying on gambling for income, please seek help immediately.
Play responsibly, set limits, and remember that the house always has an edge. Enjoy the experience, but never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction) to participate in online gambling in Australia. It is illegal for minors to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services.
By accessing any gambling platform through this website, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement for your state or territory.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Are you experiencing any of the following? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses: Returning to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family or friends
- Loss of control: Unable to stick to set limits or stop when you plan to
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Neglecting responsibilities: Gambling instead of working, studying, or caring for family
- Financial problems: Borrowing money, using credit cards, or going into debt to gamble
- Mood changes: Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Relationship strain: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling habits
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, professional help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most licensed online gambling operators offer built-in tools to help you gamble more responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a 24-hour, weekly, or monthly period
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a set timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets or wagers
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Session Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of play
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling for a period you choose
- Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your account
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you maintain control and stay within your budget.
Support Organisations & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Reach out to one of these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential support and counselling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call, 24/7) - Gambler's Help — Counselling and support services across Australia
Phone: 1800 858 858
International Support
- United Kingdom — GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk - United Kingdom — GamStop
www.gamstop.co.uk - Canada — Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org - United States — National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. You don't have to face this alone. Whether you're experiencing mild concerns or serious difficulties, professional counsellors are ready to help — confidentially and without judgment.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (available 24/7) or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Remember: Taking action is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible.
Disclaimer: This responsible gaming information is provided for educational purposes. Bendigo Winter Night Shelter is not a gambling operator. If you gamble through affiliated websites, ensure they are licensed and regulated in Australia. Always check the terms and conditions of any gambling service you use.