Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Big Boys Toys Canberra, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Pokies and online gaming should be enjoyed responsibly and within your means.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or gamble to escape personal problems.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is strictly regulated. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gaming activities on this site and in Australian gambling venues.
We take age verification seriously and comply with all Australian gambling regulations. If you are under 18, please do not use our services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essential expenses
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Borrowing money to gamble or cover gambling losses
- Unable to reduce or control your gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable gaming operators offer self-help tools to support responsible gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Set maximum loss limits to control your spending
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a temporary break from gambling for hours, days, or weeks
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from gambling sites
- Account Closure: Close your account if you wish to stop gambling permanently
Contact your gaming provider to learn more about these tools and how to implement them on your account.
Support & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free counselling and support service for people concerned about their gambling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (Free call, 24/7) - Lifeline Australia — Crisis support and suicide prevention
Phone: 13 11 14 (Available 24/7) - Beyond Blue — Mental health and emotional wellbeing support
Phone: 1300 224 636
International Resources
- GamCare (UK)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK) — National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help Right Now?
If you or someone close to you is experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support—professional counsellors are available to help you regain control.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Remember: Problem gambling affects not just you, but your family and loved ones. Help is available, and recovery is possible.