Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Emerald Nest Counselling, we believe that online gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling involves risk, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Please play responsibly and within your means. If you find yourself struggling with your gambling habits, help and support are available.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in online gambling. We take player safety seriously and operate in compliance with Australian gambling laws.

If you are under 18, please do not access gambling websites. If you have concerns about a young person's gambling, contact the support organisations listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Please be aware of the following warning signs that may indicate problem gambling:

• Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
• Hiding or lying about the time or money spent gambling
• Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
• Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to reduce or stop gambling
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
• Neglecting relationships, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
• Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to control or stop gambling
• Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins and losses

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself, please seek support immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a session or timeframe
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during gaming sessions to track time and spending
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period
• Account Closure: Close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely

Use these tools proactively to manage your gaming responsibly.

Support Organisations

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following organisations provide free, confidential support:

Australia

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

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free support and counselling for gambling problems
  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 referral 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

If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please reach out for support today. Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available. There is no shame in seeking assistance.

Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak to a trusted friend or family member, or consult your GP for a referral to specialist support services.

Remember: Gambling should only ever be entertainment. If it's causing problems in your life, it's time to seek help.