Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Space Up Australia, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Pokies and online gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age or the legal gambling age in your state or territory to participate in gambling activities in Australia. It is illegal for minors to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling services.
Parents and guardians: Please monitor your children's online activity and ensure they do not access gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like bills, rent, or food
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or relationships due to gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Experiencing relationship or financial problems as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools and Strategies
Most online gambling platforms and pokies venues offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you stop gambling.
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications that remind you how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account to prevent access to gambling services.
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to limit your gambling duration.
- Budget Planning: Allocate a specific entertainment budget separate from essential expenses.
Take advantage of these tools on the platforms you use. They're designed to help you maintain control.
Support and Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional support is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call)
International Support (for reference)
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Free support and counselling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
Tip: If you're in Australia, Gambling Help Online is your primary resource. Counsellors are trained, experienced, and available 24/7 at no cost.
Need Help Now?
If you're experiencing difficulties with your gambling, please reach out for support today. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional counsellors are ready to assist you confidentially.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call) or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Remember: You are not alone, and support is available.
Space Up Australia is committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming. We encourage all players to gamble within their means and to seek help if gambling becomes a concern.