Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Geelong Arts Centre, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Pokies and online gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only—never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you're playing, please do so for fun with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Gambling is only for people aged 18 years and over in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in pokies or any form of gambling. If you are under the legal age, please do not gamble. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know? If so, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding gambling activities from family or friends
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty about your gambling
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Spending more time and money gambling than intended
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
- Unable to stop or cut back on gambling despite wanting to
Self-Help Tools & Resources
Most gaming platforms and venues offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session
- Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks and monitor how long you've been playing
- Reality Checks: Regular pop-up notifications to remind you of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling venues or online platforms
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming habits.
Support Organisations
If you're concerned about your gambling or need support, help is available. Here are trusted Australian organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call) - Gambler's Help (Victoria) – Counselling and support services for Victorians
Phone: 1800 858 858
International
- GamCare (UK)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK)
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for support today. There is no shame in asking for help—trained professionals are ready to assist you confidentially and without judgment.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call) or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au to access counselling, support groups, and resources.
Remember: Gaming should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.