Responsible Gambling | AussieBonuses.com
Gambling at an online casino should be an enjoyable, relaxing experience with the added bonus of winning real money. However, you have to recognise the potential dangers of such an activity and that many other players have succumbed to gambling issues in the past. Therefore, learning how to bet in a manner that protects your health, finances and relationships is of paramount importance.
If you feel like your gaming is spiralling out of hand, you should know that all regulated online casinos are required to provide information on how to recognise problem gambling and provide links to support services. Every casino listed on AussieBonuses.com is fully licensed, meaning they will offer these provisions.
However, there is also personal responsibility involved when it comes to staying safe at an online casino. This article looks at what you can do as a player to spot excessive behaviours taking hold, whilst offering suggestions on how to prevent gambling problems from developing in the first place.
Responsible Gambling Explained
The term ‘responsible gambling’ refers to a collection of initiatives undertaken by the gambling industry, including governments, operators and authorities as well as the players themselves. The goals of these initiatives are to ensure the integrity of the activity and to raise awareness of the associated risks such as addiction and gambling by minors.
The Basics of How To Gamble Responsibly
To begin, we will cover some fundamental advice that will help you develop the mental attitude necessary to bet in a responsible manner.
Not a reliable source of income
It is a well-known fact the odds offered in casinos favour the house. Therefore, you should not rely on casino gambling as a reliant source of funds over long-term play.
Gambling should be enjoyable
Playing at an online casino should bea fun experience, helping you unwind from everyday life. If you manage to win, treat this as a bonus – not an indication of future results.
Set aside a gambling budget
Determine a monthly or weekly budget for gambling based on your income and savings goals. This sets a clear boundary which, if kept to, plays a significant factor of staying in control.
Learn game rules and expected payouts
Understanding the rules and strategy guides of certain games will prevent poor decisions. This in turns can lead to frustration and even worse decisions when trying to recoup lost money.
Only gamble with a clear mind
It should go without saying that gambling when under the influence of alcohol will only lead to reckless decision making.Likewise, it shouldn’t be used as a way to alleviate personal trauma.
Gambling Is For Adults Only
Gambling is restricted by age for a reason. Because the legal age for online gambling in Australia is 18 years old, it becomes your responsibility to make sure no-one beneath this age can access your account. Log out every time your finish a session and keep all passwords private. Installing parental control software on your children’s devices is also another step to consider.
Age Verification at Australian Online Casinos
The Parliament of Australia has introduced strict age verification laws for online wagering in the country. This means that operators need to verify a player’s full legal name, date of birth and current residential address within 14 days of depositing funds.
If this is requested, you must provide suitable documentation to comply with the casino’s regulatory requirements. Widely accepted documents include a driver licence and passport, as well as a tenancy roll and credit history records.
Responsible Gambling Facilities at Online Casinos
There are various player tools provided by online casinos to help you set definitive boundaries. These work in different ways depending on the restriction you wish to place. Although none of these tools are compulsory at an Australian online casino, we strongly recommend you utilise them no matter your experience level.
Here are the tools at your disposal:
Deposit, Wager and Loss Limits
Simply put, a deposit, wager or loss limit is the ultimate control mechanism over how much you can spend at an online casino. You set the limit of your designated amount across a set period – be it a day, week or month – which cannot be exceeded until the limit is reset. At some brands, this then requires an additional consideration period of between 24-hours and one week before being confirmed.
Reality Checks and Session Time Limits
To curb your time spent at an online casino (as opposed to your spending), you can also set a restrictions on individual gaming sessions. You choose a period, one hour per day for example, after which the casino will automatically log you out within each 24-hour period. Reality checks are another useful tool, where a pop-up notification informs of your current activity and profit/loss margin.
Take a Break and Self-Exclusion
Every casino listed at AussieBonuses.com will provide the option to take a break from your gaming account. As a temporary measure, you will leave the account dormant for a designated period, be it a few days to a few months, whilst you regain your composure. There’s also the chance to self-exclude completely, a measure used by players who are under the risk of gambling addiction taking hold. This is a permanent measure and cannot be reversed.
Account Exclusion: Prioritising Player Safety
At AussieBonuses.com, we prioritise the well-being of players and expect our endorsed brands to do the same. It is crucial for online casinos to track and monitor player behaviour to identify any signs of harmful play. In situations where the casino team believes you are at risk, they may take the step of blocking the account on your behalf.
Recognising Gambling Addiction – Self Assessment Test
In many cases, players won’t be able to recognise they are being adversely affected by gambling issues. Denial is one of the unfortunate elements of addiction after all. However, there is a way of helping you cement the realisation in your mind.
That is by taking a quick self-assessment test of which have listed below:
- Do you spend an excessive amount of time/money gambling online?
- Have you gambled away money needed to pay for essential items?
- Have you risked or lost a personal relationship due to your gambling?
- Have you risked or lost your home or job due to your gambling?
- Do you struggle to sleep well due to your gambling?
- Do you gamble to try to recoup losses every occasion?
- Do you lie to yourself or others about how much you gamble?
If you find yourself answering ‘yes’ to three or more questions, it is time to consider professional help.
Ways To Treat Problem Gambling
It is now firmly established that problem gambling is a legitimate medical condition rather than solely a consequence of one’s upbringing or social factors. Its prevalence in Australia is a matter of concern with the Australian Gambling Research Centre revealing that around 40% of Australians indulge in gambling activities at least once per week.
If you find yourself engaged in online gambling, it is highly recommended to regularly undertake self-assessment tests and utilise the casino’s responsible gaming tools. Doing so will help you both recognise early indicators of problem gambling and also negate their negative effects.
Taking proactive steps is crucial in such situations. As well as using self-exclusion measures across all online gambling platforms, reaching out to a trusted family member to inform them about your circumstances is advised. Also note there are various professional organisations across Australia that specialise in gambling addiction.
These organisations offer treatment options tailored to individual needs, delivered by qualified professionals. What’s more, for those who prefer to maintain their privacy throughout the recovery process, treatments ensure complete confidentiality.
Your options here include:
- Online or telephone consultations.
- Online group therapy.
- Face-to-face consultations.
- Rehabilitation programs.
In conclusion, for individuals seeking support with problem gambling, the National Gambling Helpline is an invaluable resource. This helpline provides free, professional and confidential support around the clock; you can reach them by calling 1800 858 858.
Additionally, each state offers its own support services tailored to the specific needs of its residents:
- New South Wales: Visit Website
- Queensland: Visit Website
- South Australia: Visit Website
- Tasmania: Visit Website
- Victoria: Visit Website
- Western Australia: Visit Website
Friendly Advice Goes A Long Way
When faced with a loved one’s gambling addiction, it is often typical for individuals to deny the problem and be resistant to seeking treatment. As a caring family member or friend, it is vital to take proactive steps.
If you find yourself in this situation, direct them to our self-assessment test as a starting point. If you observe signs of problem gambling, gently encourage them to seek professional help. It is important to approach the situation with empathy, offering support rather than judgement.
At this stage, it is also advisable to involve professionals that focus on gambling addiction – namely the specialised support organisations listed above. They can provide valuable guidance, resources and appropriate interventions based on the individual’s needs.
