Responsible Gaming
Entertainment, Not Income
At ndcoqld.org, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment – similar to going to the movies or enjoying a night out. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling with money you cannot afford to lose, or if gambling is affecting your relationships, work, or mental health, please seek help immediately.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in gambling activities. We take age verification seriously and comply with all local laws and regulations. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not attempt to access betting services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Check yourself against these warning signs:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling: Concealing the extent or frequency of your gambling from family or friends
- Spending More Than Planned: Gambling longer or with more money than you originally intended
- Financial Strain: Using money meant for bills, rent, or essentials for gambling
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Tolerance: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
- Irritability When Not Gambling: Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Failed Attempts to Stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gambling
- Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to relieve stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions
- Borrowing Money: Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, professional support is available and can make a real difference.
Self-Help Tools
Most online betting operators provide tools to help you maintain control. These may include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose within a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a period you choose (hours to weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a betting operator's platform for a set period or indefinitely
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you decide to stop gambling
We recommend using these tools proactively. Speak with your betting operator's customer support team to learn about and activate these features on your account.
Support Organizations in Australia & Beyond
If you're struggling with gambling, you're not alone. Professional, confidential support is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
1800 858 858 (free call, 24/7)
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Free confidential support and information for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop: National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: Evidence-based resources and support
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Helpline and referral services
www.ncpgambling.org
1-800-522-4700 (confidential, 24/7)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Federal Centre for Health Education
Information and support resources for problem gambling
If You Need Help
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support – problem gambling is a recognized health issue, and trained professionals are ready to assist you confidentially and without judgment.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au today.
Remember: help is available, recovery is possible, and you don't have to face this alone.