Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Wollongong Medical, we believe that online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed purely as a form of entertainment. Gambling should never be considered a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or supplement your income. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling. By accessing our site and participating in online pokies, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older and meet all legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Hiding or lying about your gambling activities from family and friends
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling activities
- Failed attempts to reduce or control your gambling
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities you previously enjoyed
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Limit-Setting
Most reputable online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you are willing to lose before stopping play
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders that alert you to how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic restrictions on how long you can play in one session
- Self-Exclusion: Take a break from gambling by temporarily or permanently excluding yourself from gambling sites
We encourage you to use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organisations and Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please contact one of these trusted organisations:
Australia
Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential support and counselling services for people affected by gambling problems in Australia.
United Kingdom
GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Support for problem gambling and gambling addiction.
GamStop
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling.
Canada
Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Information and resources for responsible gambling in Canada.
United States
National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
24/7 confidential support and referral services.
Germany
Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Support and information for problem gambling prevention and treatment.
If You Need Help
Problem gambling can affect your mental health, relationships, and financial wellbeing. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please seek help today. There is no shame in reaching out—professional support is available and effective.
Contact one of the organisations listed above, or speak with your GP, who can provide referrals to appropriate services in your area.
Remember: Help is available 24/7, and recovery is possible.