Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Gerald A Cottage, we believe that pokies and online gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means. Remember: the house always has an edge, and you should only gamble what you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online pokies are only for players aged 18 years and over in Australia. If you are under the legal gambling age in your state or territory, you are not permitted to access our services. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to verify your identity at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or others, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on pokies than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing anxiety, stress, or mood changes related to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Feeling unable to stop gambling despite wanting to
- Using gambling to escape problems or difficult feelings
- Lying to others about the extent of your gambling
- Experiencing relationship problems because of gambling
Self-Help Tools
Many gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a session or day
- Spending Limits: Control your total gaming expenditure over a week or month
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Take a break by temporarily or permanently excluding yourself from gaming sites
- Time Limits: Set session limits to prevent extended gaming periods
If your gaming provider doesn't offer these tools, we encourage you to contact them to request these features.
Support Organizations in Australia
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free counseling and support for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, confidential)
International Support
- GamCare (UK) – Support for problem gamblers in the UK
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK) – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Evidence-based education and resources
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (US) – Helpline and resources for problem gamblers
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you think you may have a problem with gambling, or if someone you care about does, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support – problem gambling is a recognized issue that can be treated, and recovery is possible.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 today – it's free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Remember: Gaming should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.