Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At dadswithdepression.com, we believe that online pokies and gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gaming is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds always favour the house, and losses are a real possibility. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming. We take underage gambling prevention seriously. By accessing our site, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these warning signs in your own behaviour, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing Losses: Gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling: Keeping your gaming activity secret from family, friends, or partners
- Loss of Control: Gambling for longer or with more money than intended
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, family time, or other commitments due to gaming
- Borrowing Money: Using loans, credit cards, or borrowed funds to gamble
- Mood Changes: Becoming anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Escalation: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Relationship Strain: Gaming causing conflict with loved ones
- Financial Problems: Unpaid bills, debt, or inability to meet financial obligations
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming operators 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: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic session timeouts to limit gaming duration
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications during play to remind you of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gaming platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed
Use these tools proactively — don't wait until a problem develops.
Support & Help Organizations
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counselling, resources, and self-assessment tools for Australians
- Gambler's Help (Victoria): 1800 858 858 — Free telephone and online counselling
- Problem Gambling Services: Most Australian states offer state-based helplines and support
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free support, information, and counselling
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources and referrals across Canada
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Information, referrals, and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Free information and support on problem gambling
All support services listed are free and confidential. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If You Need Help, Act Now
Problem gambling can escalate quickly and impact your mental health, relationships, and finances. If you're concerned about your gaming habits or those of someone you know, please contact a support organization immediately.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available.
Contact Gambling Help Online (Australia) now or call your local state helpline.