Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At lockthetweed.org, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Playing pokies and other games of chance involves risk, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and take our legal obligations seriously. If you are under 18, you must not use this website or engage in any form of gambling.
Parents and guardians: If you are concerned about a young person's gaming habits, please seek advice from the support organizations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may indicate a problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or restlessness when unable to gamble
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts for excitement
Self-Help Tools and Safer Gaming Features
Many online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you will deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you are willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders during gaming sessions to track time and spending
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account to prevent access to gaming services
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a mandatory break from gaming
- Account Restrictions: Limit the games you can access or the stakes you can play
Take advantage of these tools if you feel your gaming habits are becoming problematic.
Support Organizations
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact these trusted organizations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential counseling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7)
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free, confidential support and self-help resources
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — Programs and information for problem gambling
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Information and counseling services
www.bzga.de
Need Help? Reach Out Today
If gambling is causing you distress or affecting your life, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. Contacting one of the organizations above is a confidential and important first step toward recovery.
Remember: You are not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.