Responsible Gaming

Introduction

At Staging Spaces Melbourne, we believe that gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting should be fun, affordable, and within your means. If you find yourself gambling more than you can afford or using it to cope with problems, please reach out for support.

Age Verification

All users must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling or betting in Australia. It is your responsibility to verify that you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before using any betting services. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not proceed.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please review the following checklist and seek help if you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour:

• Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
• Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
• Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins and losses
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Experiencing sleep problems or irritability when unable to gamble
• Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts for the same level of excitement

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given timeframe
• Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum stake amount per bet
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent
• Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (days or weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from gambling accounts

We encourage you to use these tools to help maintain responsible gambling habits.

Support Organizations in Australia

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide confidential support:

• Gambling Help Online
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free, confidential counselling and support service for people concerned about their gambling or someone else's gambling.
• Gambler's Help (Victoria)
  Phone: 1800 858 858
  Free and confidential telephone and face-to-face counselling services.
• National Problem Gambling Counselling Line
  Phone: 1800 858 858
  Available 24/7 across Australia.

International Support Resources

For users outside Australia, the following organisations offer support:

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org

Call to Action

If you or someone you care about has a problem with gambling, please seek help today. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. Reach out to one of the organisations listed above — they provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help. Your wellbeing is important.

For immediate support in Australia, call the National Problem Gambling Counselling Line on 1800 858 858 (24/7).