Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At The Patch Wollongong, we believe that pokies and online gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself viewing gambling as an income source, it may be time to reassess your relationship with gaming.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction) to participate in gaming activities. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time. If you are under the legal age, please do not access our services.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in your own behaviour, please seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
• Hiding or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Unable to control gambling urges or cut back despite wanting to
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Neglecting family, friends, work, or hobbies due to gambling
• Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
• Using gambling to escape negative emotions or stress
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts for the same excitement
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling

Self-Help Tools

Most responsible gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control. Consider using:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
• Reality Checks: Regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic timeouts after a certain period of play
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms

We encourage you to use these tools to manage your gaming responsibly.

Support Organizations in Australia

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available:

• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free and confidential counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia. Available 24/7.
• Gambler's Help (Victoria)
  Phone: 1800 858 858
  Free, confidential counselling and support services.
• Gambling Help Hotline NSW
  Phone: 1800 633 635
  Professional support for problem gambling in New South Wales.

International Support Resources

If you are accessing our services from outside Australia, please contact the relevant organisation in your region:

• United Kingdom: GamCare - www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop - www.gamstop.co.uk
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council - www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling - www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) - www.bzga.de

Take Action Today

If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support. Problem gambling is treatable, and many people recover with proper assistance. Your health and wellbeing are more important than any game.

Contact Gambling Help Online (Australia) at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au or call 1800 858 858 for free, confidential support.

The Patch Wollongong is committed to promoting responsible gaming. We support the use of self-exclusion tools and work with regulatory bodies to ensure safe gaming practices.