Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Strategy
At Bendigo Winter Nights Shelter, we believe that online pokies and casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gaming is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble within your means and never view it as an investment or income source.
Set a budget you can afford to lose, enjoy the experience responsibly, and remember that the house always has an edge.
Age Verification
Online pokies and casino gaming in Australia are strictly for adults aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in gambling activities.
If you are accessing this site, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and meet all legal requirements to gamble in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in your own behavior, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from friends, family, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money for the same level of excitement
- Repeatedly attempting to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- Lying to others about the extent of your gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or difficult emotions
- Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most licensed online casinos and pokie sites offer built-in tools to help you play responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during play to check how long you've been gambling
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of time
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a site for a specified period (days, weeks, months, or permanently)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed
Use these tools actively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Australia has dedicated support services:
Australia
-
Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential support service offering counseling, self-assessment tools, and information for problem gamblers and their families. -
Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Crisis support for emotional distress, including gambling-related stress.
International Support Services
-
UK - GamCare
www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support and treatment for problem gambling in the UK. -
UK - GamStop
www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for UK-regulated gambling. -
Canada - Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org
Prevention, education, and treatment resources for problem gambling. -
USA - National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Information, referrals, and support for those with gambling problems.
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is a recognized health issue, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support services are confidential, non-judgmental, and available to you at no cost.
Don't wait until the problem gets worse. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au today.
Remember: You are not alone, and recovery is possible with the right support.