Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Leopold Wildlife Shelter's PayID Pokies guide, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed purely as entertainment. Pokies and online gaming are games of chance designed for fun, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please play responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to legally gamble. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate in any gaming activities. We take age verification seriously and encourage all operators to verify player age before allowing access to gaming platforms.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please be honest with yourself and consider seeking help:

• Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
• Loss of control: Gambling longer or with more money than intended
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Financial problems: Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
• Mood changes: Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems
• Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop gambling
• Tolerance: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about gambling or planning your next gambling session
• Relationship strain: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling habits

Self-Help Tools and Features

Responsible gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control over your gaming. Consider using these features available on most licensed platforms:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic time limits for your gaming sessions
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
• Cooling-Off Periods: Take a mandatory break before re-accessing your gaming account

Use these tools proactively to manage your gaming responsibly and enjoy pokies and online gaming as entertainment only.

Support Organizations in Australia and Beyond

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free, confidential support and counseling for problem gambling
• Gambling Help (National Problem Gambling Helpline)
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call)
  Available 24/7 with trained counselors

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Free support and information for problem gambling
• GamStop
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (National Problem Gambling Helpline)
  Free, confidential support available 24/7

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
  Resources and support for problem gambling

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Information and resources for responsible gambling and problem gambling support

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available. You don't have to face this alone. If you believe you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, please contact one of the support organizations listed above. They offer free, confidential advice and counseling.

Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no shame in reaching out to professional support services. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can regain control of your life.

Important Disclaimer

Leopold Wildlife Shelter is committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. This website provides information and resources about responsible gambling. We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and within their means. If you choose to play pokies or online gaming, please do so as entertainment only and use the responsible gaming tools available.