Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Vic Lions, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Pokies and online gaming should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
All players must be 18 years of age or older to access pokies and gaming services in Australia. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirements in your jurisdiction. Vic Lions does not knowingly permit underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Please review the following checklist. If you recognise any of these behaviours in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, groceries)
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent gaming
- Neglecting family, work, or social responsibilities due to gaming
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when not gambling
- Feeling the need to gamble with increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing financial difficulties related to gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most online gaming platforms and responsible operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose in a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during play to remind you how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a short period to take a break
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from gaming platforms
Use these tools proactively to maintain a healthy gaming lifestyle.
Support Organizations
If you need support or advice about problem gambling, the following organisations can help:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free, confidential counselling and support services for all Australians
- Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au — Call 13 11 14 for crisis support and counselling
- Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org.au — Peer support meetings and recovery programs
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free support and treatment for problem gambling
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Educational resources and support services
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Information, helpline, and treatment referrals
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): — Federal Centre for Health Education — Offers resources and support for gambling addiction
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support. The organisations listed above offer confidential, free advice and counselling.
Remember: Gaming should be fun and entertaining. If it's causing you stress, financial hardship, or affecting your relationships, it's time to take action and seek assistance.