Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Mackay HR Consulting, we promote responsible gaming practices. Gambling should only ever be considered as entertainment, similar to going to the movies or dining out. It is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set strict limits before you begin.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities in Australia. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. If you are under the legal age, please do not access gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, groceries)
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying about the amount you gamble
- Experiencing relationship problems due to your gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities
- Feeling anxious, stressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Borrowing money to finance gambling
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the total losses you're willing to accept during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic timeouts to restrict how long you can play continuously
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gambling services
- Account Closure: Close your account if you need to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to keep your gambling under control.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia (1800 858 858)
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free, confidential support service for problem gamblers
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources and support for problem gambling
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential support)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Resources and support for problem gambling in German-speaking regions
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with proper support. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help today. The organisations listed above offer free, confidential support and counselling services.
Don't gamble alone, and don't let gambling control your life. Help is just a phone call or click away.