Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Your Family Your Money, we believe online gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment – similar to going to the movies or a sporting event. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the house, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
If you find yourself gambling to make money, chase losses, or gamble more than you can afford, it's time to seek help.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is only legally available to people aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, we strongly encourage you not to gamble.
Parents and guardians: If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, please reach out to the support organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself if any of these warning signs apply to you:
- Gambling more often or with larger amounts than intended
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win money back
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, worry, or difficult emotions
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties because of gambling
- Feeling that gambling is the only thing that makes you feel good
If you've recognised yourself in any of these signs, help is available and recovery is possible.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable online gambling operators provide tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a set time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during your gambling session showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a temporary break from your account (typically 24 hours to 6 weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator for a set period, preventing access to your account
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively. They are there to support your safer gambling experience.
Support Organisations for Australia
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available:
Australian Support Services
-
Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free counselling and support service for problem gambling in Australia. Includes online chat, email, and phone counselling. -
Gambler's Help
Phone: 1800 858 858 (Free, 24/7)
Victoria-based service providing confidential counselling and support.
International Support Services
-
National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 -
GamCare (UK)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free counselling and support for problem gambling. -
GamStop (UK National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Multi-operator self-exclusion programme. -
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is a recognised health issue, and recovery is possible with the right support. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Don't wait until things get worse. If you're experiencing any signs of problem gambling, contact one of the support organisations above today. They offer free, confidential help and can guide you towards recovery.
You are not alone. Help is just a phone call, email, or click away.