Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Retail Therapy Canberra, we believe that gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Pokies and online gaming should never be viewed as a way to make money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself relying on gambling for income or to recover losses, it's time to seek support.

Play responsibly and within your means. Set limits, stick to them, and remember that the house always has an edge.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including playing pokies online or at venues. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and comply with all Australian gaming regulations.

Are you 18 years or older? If you cannot confirm this, please do not proceed.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about time and money spent gambling
• Gambling with money needed for essentials like food, rent, or bills
• Neglecting work, school, family, or relationships due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or distressed when trying to cut back on gambling
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to control or stop gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
• Experiencing mood swings or depression related to gambling losses

If any of these apply to you, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Most reputable gaming providers and venues offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose
• Time Limits: Restrict how long you can play in a single session
• Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications about time spent and money wagered
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from gaming sites or venues
• Account Cooling-Off: Take a break from your account for a set period

Ask your gaming provider how to activate these tools on your account today.

Support Organisations

If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available and confidential. Contact these organisations:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Phone: 1800 858 858
• Gambler's Help (Victoria) – Specialised problem gambling services
  Phone: 1800 858 858
• Problem Gambling Services NSW – Support across New South Wales
  Phone: 1800 858 858

International Support

• United Kingdom – GamCare
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• United Kingdom – GamStop (National self-exclusion scheme)
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States – National Council on Problem Gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Telefonberatung: 0800 1 372 374

All calls are free, confidential, and staffed by trained counsellors who understand problem gambling.

If You Need Help, Please Reach Out

Problem gambling affects not only you but your family, finances, and wellbeing. Recovery is possible, and you don't have to face this alone.

Take action today:

• Contact Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Speak to a counsellor, family member, or trusted friend
• Use self-exclusion tools immediately
• Set strict limits on your account

Seeking help is a sign of strength. You have options, and support is available right now.