Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Women's Network NT, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Pokies and online gaming should never be considered a reliable source of income. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose and always maintain a healthy balance in your life.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your Australian state or territory) to participate in any gaming activities. It is illegal for minors to gamble. If you are under the legal age, please do not use gaming services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following warning signs in your gambling habits, you may be developing a problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover previous losses
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or loved ones
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to gambling
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or cope with negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling activities
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gambling
- Unable to cut back or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Risking important relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities because of gambling
Self-Help Tools
Many gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you are willing to deposit within a specific time period
- Loss Limits: Establish a ceiling on how much money you are prepared to lose
- Reality Checks: Enable periodic reminders about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a gaming venue or platform for a set period
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logout times to limit consecutive gaming sessions
Support Organizations in Australia
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please contact one of these trusted organizations:
Australian Services
-
Gambling Help Online (National Counselling Service)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free confidential counselling available 24/7 -
Gamblers Anonymous Australia
Self-help support groups throughout Australia for problem gambling recovery
International Services
-
GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk -
GamStop (United Kingdom Self-Exclusion Scheme)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk -
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org -
National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Call to Action
If you suspect you have a gambling problem, please seek help today. Problem gambling can have serious consequences for your mental health, finances, relationships, and overall wellbeing. There is no shame in asking for support. Reach out to Gambling Help Online or another organization listed above — trained counsellors are ready to assist you confidentially and free of charge.
Remember: You are never alone, and help is always available.