Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

At Men's Resource Centre, we believe gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casino games are designed for fun, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet more than you planned.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to participate in gambling activities. All betting sites have a legal obligation to verify your age and identity before allowing you to play. Never attempt to circumvent age verification measures, and encourage young people in your life to wait until they are of legal age before gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

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

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
• Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Neglecting work, study, family, or social relationships due to gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, sleep problems, or digestive issues related to gambling stress

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features

Most reputable betting sites offer built-in tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you're willing to lose over a given period
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during your gaming session to check how much time you've spent and how much you've wagered
• Session Timers: Set automatic reminders or session end times to prevent extended gambling periods
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting site or multiple sites through GamStop (UK), or contact individual operators
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you need to stop gambling entirely

Use these tools proactively, not just when problems arise.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you care about, professional help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:

Australia (Primary Resource)

• Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Free counselling service for problem gamblers, their families, and supporters. Available 24/7.

United Kingdom

• GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk – Free support and information for problem gamblers
• GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme for UK betting sites

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org – Resources and treatment services

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org – Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Offers information and resources for responsible gambling

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Seeking help for a gambling problem is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're struggling yourself or concerned about someone you know, professional support is just a phone call or click away. At Men's Resource Centre, we encourage you to take action if gambling is negatively affecting your life, finances, relationships, or mental health.

Remember: Help is confidential, free, and available right now. Don't wait until the problem becomes worse – reach out to Gambling Help Online (Australia) or one of the organisations listed above.