Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means gambling in a way that is safe, controlled, and does not negatively impact your life, relationships, finances, or mental health.

Key Principles of Responsible Gambling:

• Gambling is entertainment, not a way to make money
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
• Set strict limits before you start gambling
• Never chase losses
• Take regular breaks
• Don’t gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence
• Keep gambling in perspective – it’s one activity among many
• Be honest with yourself about your gambling habits

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Be aware of these warning signs:

Financial Warning Signs:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Selling possessions to fund gambling
• Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or food
• Having unexplained financial problems
• Taking out loans or using credit cards for gambling

Behavioral Warning Signs:

• Gambling for longer than intended
• Returning to gamble after losses (“chasing losses”)
• Lying about gambling activities or hiding gambling
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
• Becoming defensive when questioned about gambling
• Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling

Emotional Warning Signs:

• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative feelings
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling
• Mood swings related to wins and losses
• Becoming preoccupied with gambling (thinking about it constantly)
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel excitement

Relationship Warning Signs:

• Arguments with family or friends about gambling
• Isolation from friends and family
• Neglecting important relationships
• Lying to loved ones about gambling activities

If you recognize multiple warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help immediately.

Self-Exclusion Options

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows you to block yourself from gambling for a set period. This can be an effective tool for regaining control.

How Self-Exclusion Works:

• You request to be excluded from one or more casinos
• The casino blocks your account for the specified period
• You cannot access your account or place bets during exclusion
• Self-exclusion periods typically range from 6 months to lifetime
• You cannot reverse self-exclusion once activated

Self-Exclusion Periods:

• 6 months minimum (most common starting point)
• 1 year
• 5 years
• Lifetime (permanent exclusion)

Important:

Self-exclusion from one casino does NOT automatically exclude you from other casinos. You must self-exclude from each casino separately.

Consider self-excluding from ALL online casinos if you’re struggling with gambling problems.

Help for Family Members

If someone you care about has a gambling problem, it affects you too. Here’s how you can help:

How to Support Someone:

• Express your concerns calmly and without judgment
• Listen without criticizing or lecturing
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Offer to help them find resources or attend counseling
• Set boundaries to protect your own wellbeing
• Don’t lend money or pay their gambling debts
• Take care of your own mental health

Support for Family Members:

Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) offers support specifically for family members affected by someone else’s gambling.

Services include:

• Counseling for family members
• Strategies for coping and setting boundaries
• Financial counseling if affected by gambling debts
• Support groups for families

AuthorsInterest.org Position

At AuthorsInterest.org, we:

• Provide factual information to help informed decisions
• Do NOT encourage gambling beyond entertainment budgets
• Prominently display responsible gambling information
• Include gambling help resources on every page
• Do NOT target vulnerable individuals
• Support self-exclusion and responsible gambling tools
• Encourage seeking help at first signs of problems

We believe that:

• Gambling should be entertainment, not income
• Only adults 18+ should gamble
• Gambling should be affordable and controlled
• Anyone showing signs of problem gambling should seek help immediately

Remember

The house always has an edge. Over time, casinos win and players lose. Pokies are designed for the casino to profit.

• RTP of 96% means you lose 4% of every dollar wagered over time
• Progressive jackpots are extremely rare (millions of spins between wins)
• No system or strategy beats the house edge
• Every spin is random – past results don’t influence future outcomes

If gambling stops being fun, STOP PLAYING.

NEED HELP? CALL 1800 858 858 (24/7, FREE, CONFIDENTIAL)