Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Adelaide Polo Crosse, we believe that betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set strict limits on what you spend.
Remember: the odds are always in favour of the house. If you find yourself spending more than intended or chasing losses, it's time to seek help.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in gambling activities. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to place bets or access betting services.
If you are under 18, or if you suspect someone underage is gambling, please do not proceed and report the matter to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone else, problem gambling may be developing:
- Gambling more frequently or with larger amounts than planned
- Constantly thinking about gambling or previous bets
- Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Attempting to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when trying to reduce gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
- Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Hiding gambling activity or spending
- Jeopardising relationships, job, or educational opportunities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from problems or negative emotions
If you've ticked several of these boxes, help is available and recovery is possible.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Many betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period without permanently closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from betting services, preventing access to your account
Ask your betting operator about these tools and use them proactively to stay in control.
Support Organisations
If you need help, these organisations provide free, confidential support for problem gambling:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Free counselling service for Australians with gambling concerns
- Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au – 24/7 crisis support (13 11 14)
- Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au – Mental health and wellbeing support (1300 22 4636)
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk – Free support for problem gambling
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org – Resources and support for Canadian gamblers
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org – Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Gambling addiction support and prevention programmes
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're experiencing gambling difficulties yourself or are concerned about someone else, support is available and confidential.
Don't wait until things get worse. Contact one of the support organisations listed above, speak to your doctor, or reach out to a trusted friend or family member.
Recovery is possible, and help is just a phone call or click away.