Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Empowering Resources, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or attending a sporting event. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set strict limits on both time and spending before you begin.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in Australia. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and comply with all Australian gambling regulations.
If you are under 18, we strongly encourage you not to visit betting sites. If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, please contact the support organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of money spent
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- Gambling for longer periods or with larger amounts than intended
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. Consider using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during gameplay to help you stay aware of how long and how much you've been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites when you feel your habits are becoming problematic
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling to reassess your habits
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Support Organisations & Resources
If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, help is available. These organisations provide confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Lifeline Australia — 24/7 crisis support (call 13 11 14)
www.lifeline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free support and counselling for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — Information and support for problem gambling
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Helpline and resources (1-800-522-4700)
www.ncpgambling.org
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal centre for health education
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
You are not alone. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They provide free, confidential assistance and can connect you with professional help.
Taking action today can change your life. Don't wait — seek help as soon as you recognise a problem.