Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Geelong Sabaki School's Payid Pokies information hub, we believe that gaming should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Pokies and online gaming are games of chance with odds that always favour the house. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or gamble to escape problems.
Age Verification
Online pokies and gambling in Australia are strictly reserved for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, please do not participate in any gambling activities. By accessing any gambling service, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these apply to you? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding or lying about the time or money spent gambling
- Experiencing arguments with family or friends about gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or emotional problems
- Inability to stick to set limits on time or money spent
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to get the same excitement
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social responsibilities
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back on gambling
If you recognise any of these signs, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Support Features
Most reputable gaming platforms offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a set timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose
- Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic session timeouts to control how long you play
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications to remind you how long you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
Use these tools to maintain control and keep gaming fun and within your budget.
Support Organisations in Australia & Beyond
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free counselling and support service
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call)
International Support
- United Kingdom – GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - United Kingdom – GamStop
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - United States – National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org - Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung
Website: www.bzga.de
All services are confidential, and counsellors are trained to help without judgment.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect your finances, relationships, and mental health. You are not alone, and help is available.
If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, please contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au for confidential support.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.