Responsible Gaming

Our Commitment to You

At The Den Wollongong, we believe gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. We're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting the wellbeing of our community.

Age Verification

Pokies and online gambling in Australia are strictly for adults aged 18 years and over. By accessing this website, you confirm that you are of legal age in your jurisdiction. If you are under 18, please do not engage with any gambling services.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour, it may be time to seek help:

• Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose
• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
• Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends
• Spending more time or money on gambling than planned
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Neglecting responsibilities, work, or relationships due to gambling
• Repeatedly failing to cut back or control gambling
• Lying to others about the extent of your gambling

Self-Help Tools

Many online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe
• Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you're willing to lose in a session or period
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during play about how long and how much you've been gambling
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic play interruptions after a certain period
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms

Support Resources in Australia

If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, help is available:

• Gambling Help Online (Australia): Free, confidential counselling service
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free call)
• Lifeline Australia: Crisis support and counselling
  Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Beyond Blue: Mental health and wellbeing support
  Phone: 1300 224 636 (24/7)

International Support Services

Additional resources available globally:

• GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org

Take Action Today

If you're struggling with gambling or suspect you may have a problem, please reach out for support. There is no shame in asking for help—it's a sign of strength. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit their website for confidential assistance, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Remember: Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to seek help.