Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

At Waratah Lodge, we believe gambling should only ever be treated as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites offer games of chance where the odds always favour the house. If you choose to gamble, only spend money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essentials like rent, bills, or groceries.

Age Verification

Gambling in Australia is only legal for persons aged 18 years or over. All players must verify their age before accessing any betting services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to create an account or place bets. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use content filtering tools to protect minors from gambling websites.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses — gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Neglecting work, study, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or ashamed about your gambling
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, or unpleasant emotions
• Unable to cut back or stop gambling despite trying
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Experiencing financial difficulties or using savings for gambling

If you recognise any of these signs, help is available.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features

Most responsible betting sites offer tools to help you manage your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a specific period
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during play about how long you've been gambling
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours or days)
• Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from all betting services for a specified period, typically 6 months to permanently
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely

We encourage you to use these tools as part of your safer gambling strategy.

Support & Help Services

If you're struggling with gambling, professional support is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential help:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online — Free counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call, 24/7)

United Kingdom

• GamCare — Free support, counselling, and practical advice
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council — Resources and support for problem gambling
  www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling — Helpline and support services
  www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal Centre for Health Education
  www.bzga.de

If You Need Help

Please reach out today. Seeking help for problem gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're experiencing mild concerns or serious difficulties, support services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free.

Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak to your GP, or reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Recovery is possible, and help is always available.

Remember: It's never too late to ask for help.