Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Melbourne News Online, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. PayID pokies and online gaming should be fun, exciting, and within your means. If you find yourself gambling more than you can afford or using it to cope with stress, it's time to seek support.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in Australia. If you are under the legal gambling age in your state or territory, please do not use our gaming services. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these warning signs apply to you? If so, it may be time to reassess your gaming habits:
- Chasing losses — continuing to gamble to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills)
- Spending more time and money on gambling than you intended
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social activities due to gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
Self-Help Tools
Many gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit in a given time period
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose before taking a break
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming sites
- Time-Out Features: Take a scheduled break from gaming for a set period
We encourage you to use these tools to maintain healthy gaming habits.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to these trusted organizations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential counselling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7, free)
International Resources
- 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, please seek help. There is no shame in reaching out — support is available and recovery is possible. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au for confidential support 24/7.
Your wellbeing is our priority. Gamble responsibly.