Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Age at Home Care, we believe that online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed purely as entertainment. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or make a living. It's important to approach gaming with a clear understanding that the house always has an edge, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Set strict limits on time and money spent, and stick to them.

Age Verification

Online pokies and casino games in Australia are strictly regulated and available only to players who are 18 years of age or older. It is a legal requirement that operators verify the age of all players before allowing access to gaming platforms.

If you are under 18, you are not permitted to participate in online gambling. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with young people about the risks associated with gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money you've lost
• Hiding gambling activity: Concealing the extent of your gambling from friends, family, or partners
• Loss of control: Being unable to stick to pre-set limits on time or money
• Gambling with borrowed money: Using credit cards, loans, or money you don't have
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Increased tolerance: Needing to gamble larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
• Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
• Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, anxiety, or depression
• Relationship strain: Experiencing conflict with loved ones over your gambling

If any of these apply to you, please reach out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online gaming platforms provide tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Take advantage of these features:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept over a defined period
• Session Time Limits: Restrict the amount of time you can spend gaming in a single session
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications during gameplay to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming platforms
• Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gambling without closing your account permanently

Using these tools can help you stay in control and gamble responsibly.

Support Organizations and Help Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. The following organizations provide confidential support, counselling, and resources:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free, confidential counselling and support services available 24/7 for Australians affected by problem gambling
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 — Crisis support and counselling (available 24/7)
• Gambler's Help (Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission): 1800 858 858 — Confidential support line for problem gambling in Victoria

United Kingdom

• GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free, confidential advice and support for problem gamblers
• GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme allowing you to exclude yourself from all online gambling operators

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Information, resources, and support for problem gambling in Canada

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Resources, referrals, and support for problem gambling
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 — Free, confidential support (available 24/7)

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Information and resources on responsible gambling and problem gambling support

All of these organizations provide confidential, judgment-free support. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If You Need Help, Please Reach Out Today

Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. You don't have to face this alone. Whether you're experiencing gambling problems yourself or are concerned about someone else, professional support is available and confidential.

Contact Gambling Help Online at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858 for free support in Australia.

Remember: Taking control is always possible, and seeking help is always the right choice.