Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Melanin Network Victoria, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites offer games of chance where the house always has a mathematical advantage. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or use gambling as an income source.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. We are committed to responsible gambling practices and do not permit access to our affiliate betting sites to anyone under the legal gambling age. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble on any affiliated platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop without you realizing it. Please review the following checklist. If you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or planning your next gambling session
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, anxiety, depression, or difficult emotions
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or healthcare professionals
- Jeopardizing relationships, work, education, or career opportunities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling activities
- Lying about the time or money spent on gambling
- Stealing or committing illegal acts to fund gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most responsible betting sites offer a range of tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month. Stick to this limit regardless of circumstances.
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you must stop gambling.
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during your gaming session to help you stay aware of how long and how much you've been gambling.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from betting sites. This prevents you from accessing your account for a set period.
- Take a Break: Use cooling-off periods to step away from gambling entirely.
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you feel you cannot control your gambling.
We encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem. They are designed to protect your wellbeing.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. The following organizations offer free, confidential support:
Australia (Primary Resource)
- Gambling Help Online (Gambler's Help)
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free and confidential counseling service. Call 1800 858 858 or live chat available 24/7.
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk
Support and resources for problem gambling. - GamStop (United Kingdom)
www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org
Evidence-based resources and support. - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
Help line: 1-800-522-4700. Free, confidential support.
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're experiencing mild concerns or serious difficulties with gambling, professional support can make a real difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 today, or visit their website for immediate support. Help is available 24/7 in Australia.
Remember: There is always hope, and recovery is possible with the right support.