Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At The Patch Wollongong, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing pokies can be fun and exciting, it's important to remember that all games are based on chance, and the house always has an edge.
We encourage all our visitors to gamble responsibly and within their means. If you choose to play, please do so for entertainment purposes only and set limits you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to engage in online gambling in Australia.
Gambling is strictly prohibited for anyone under the legal age. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls and monitoring tools to protect young people from accessing gambling content.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these warning signs apply to you? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or healthcare providers
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food, medications)
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Lying to others about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Jeopardizing relationships, job opportunities, or educational prospects
- Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money for the same level of excitement
If you've checked any of these boxes, please reach out for support.
Self-Help Tools
Many online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you stop playing
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders to check how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms to take a break
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic cut-off times for your gaming sessions
Use these tools proactively and adjust your settings as needed. Remember, these tools are only effective if you use them consistently and honestly.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential counselling service for all Australians
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 - Gambler's Help — Victorian counselling and support service
Phone: 1800 858 858
International Support
- UK - GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - UK - GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Canada - Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - USA - National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
All of these services offer free, confidential support and are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
If You Need Help
Don't wait. If you're struggling with problem gambling, reach out for support today.
Whether you're worried about your own gambling or that of a loved one, professional help is available and completely confidential. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can regain control of your life.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au to speak with a counsellor today.
Our Commitment
The Patch Wollongong is committed to promoting responsible gaming. We support the use of self-exclusion tools, age verification, and strict adherence to Australian gambling regulations. We encourage all players to gamble within their means and to seek help if they develop a problem.