Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At New Lambton Community Centre, we believe that online gaming and pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming and pokies in Australia. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before engaging in any gambling activities.

If you are under 18, please do not use this service. If you are aware of a minor accessing gambling services, please report this immediately to the relevant authorities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:

• ☐ Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• ☐ Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• ☐ Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
• ☐ Neglecting family, work, or other important responsibilities
• ☐ Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• ☐ Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
• ☐ Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• ☐ Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
• ☐ Gambling with money needed for essential expenses like rent or food
• ☐ Experiencing relationship conflicts due to gambling habits

If you've checked any of these boxes, please consider reaching out for support.

Self-Help Tools & Features

Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play.
• Reality Checks: Enable reminders that appear at regular intervals during play sessions.
• Session Limits: Set time limits for your gaming sessions.
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming platforms.
• Cooling-Off Periods: Take a mandatory break from gambling for a set duration.

We encourage you to use these tools proactively to protect yourself and maintain responsible gaming habits.

Support Organizations & Resources

If you need help, support is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential assistance for problem gambling:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online — Free counselling and support service for problem gambling
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7)

United Kingdom

• GamCare — Confidential counselling and support
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme
  www.gamstop.co.uk

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling — Helpline and resources
  www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council — Information and support services
  www.responsiblegambling.org

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal Centre for Health Education
  www.bzga.de

If You Need Help

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. Help is available, and you do not have to face this alone.

Remember: Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it's causing you harm, it's time to seek support.