Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Geelong Arts Centre, we believe that gaming should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Pokies and other games of chance are designed for enjoyment, and the odds always favour the venue. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities in Australia. By using this website and engaging with pokies or other gambling services, you confirm that you are of legal age to do so in your jurisdiction.
We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following warning signs in your behaviour, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to try to win back what you've lost
- Gambling with more money than you can afford to lose
- Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress related to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Feeling unable to control your gambling urges
- Gambling to escape problems or emotional distress
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
If you've ticked any of these boxes, please reach out for support.
Self-Help Tools
Many gambling platforms offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific time period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you must stop gambling
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during gaming sessions to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling services for a set period
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling to reassess your habits
Speak with the venue or operator about which tools are available to you.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia
International Support Services
- United Kingdom – GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free gambling support for people in the UK - United Kingdom – GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling - Canada – Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
Prevention and treatment resources for problem gambling - United States – National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Get Help Today
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out, and support is available. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free call from anywhere in Australia) or visit their website to access online counselling services.
Your wellbeing is important to us. Play responsibly, and remember: gambling should always be fun.