Data Room Academy explains how casino games work. It's written for adults, as gambling is restricted to those 18 and older. Gambling ought to remain a form of paid entertainment, similar to going to the cinema. It isn't a way to make money.
Signs it's becoming a problem
- Using more time or money than you intended
- Attempting to recover losses
- Borrowing funds or using money meant for groceries, bills or rent to gamble
- Keeping your gambling a secret from friends or family
- Experiencing low mood or anxiety when you aren't gambling
Limits you can set
- Set a budget before you begin and consider that money gone.
- Set a time limit and use an alarm.
- Never gamble on credit or using money you've borrowed.
- Take breaks regularly.
- Skip gambling when you're upset or have been drinking.
- Leave your cards at home when visiting a venue.
Where to get help in Australia
National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858. It offers confidential, professional assistance for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. https://www.dss.gov.au/gambling/gambling-support-services
Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential 24/7 assistance for anyone affected by gambling. You can use email counselling, live chat, a peer support forum or self-help advice. You can also reach it on 1800 858 858. https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/national-services/gambling-help-online
Gamblers Help (Victoria) provides free counselling throughout Victoria via telephone, online or face-to-face counselling. This includes support in different languages and services designed for First Nations communities. Both the Gamblers Help line (1800 858 858) and the Gamblers Help Youthline (1800 262 376) operate 24/7. https://gamblershelp.com.au/get-help/contact-us/
BetStop: the National Self-Exclusion Register
The Australian Government provides BetStop as a free service. It allows you to exclude yourself from every licensed Australian phone and online wagering provider through a single process. You can select a timeframe ranging from three months up to a lifetime.
Providers are required to do the following while you are registered:
- avoid opening an account for you
- refuse your bets
- stop sending you marketing
- shut any current accounts and return any credit balance
Online casino games and services lacking an Australian licence aren't covered by BetStop. It also doesn't cover betting in person, such as pokie venues and casinos.
The registration process takes around 5 minutes. You'll need:
- a mobile phone
- email access
- a driver's licence from an Australian state or territory, an Australian passport, or a Medicare card
Call 1800 238 786 to talk about different methods to verify your identity if you don't have any of these. https://www.betstop.gov.au/signup/