Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
At Bundoora Optical Centre, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should be viewed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you choose to engage in online pokies, please do so responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is only available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. We take age verification seriously and comply with all Australian gambling regulations. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not proceed.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money that has been lost
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Concealing the extent or frequency of gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Increasing Time and Money: Needing to spend more time and money gambling to achieve the same level of excitement
- Loss of Control: Inability to limit the amount of money or time spent gambling
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing gambling over work, study, family, or personal obligations
- Financial Strain: Borrowing money or experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling
- Emotional Distress: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
- Failed Attempts to Stop: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or quit gambling
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
Self-Help Tools
Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using the following:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you are prepared to lose before stopping play
- Session Time Limits: Set time restrictions on your gaming sessions to prevent prolonged play
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic
- Account Cooling-Off: Request a temporary pause on your account to take a break from gambling
Support Organizations in Australia
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide confidential support and resources:
Primary Support for Australian Users:
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Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (Free, confidential, 24/7)
Provides counselling, support, and referral services for problem gambling in Australia.
International Support Organizations:
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GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Offers support for problem gambling across the UK. -
GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK. -
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Resources and support for problem gambling in Canada. -
National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Information and resources for problem gambling in the US.
Take Action Today
If you suspect you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. Reaching out to a support organization is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organizations listed above are confidential, non-judgmental, and exist specifically to help people in your situation.
Remember: you are not alone, and help is always available. Whether you need counselling, financial advice, or simply someone to talk to, these services are ready to assist you.