Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Grow a Garden Calculators, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Online casino gaming should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or playing sports. It is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems.
Always gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never use gambling as a way to make money or recover losses.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. If you are under 18, we urge you not to gamble. Online casinos have a legal and ethical responsibility to verify your age before allowing play.
Parents and caregivers: If you're concerned about a young person's gambling activity, please seek guidance from support organizations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling. Please seek help immediately:
- ☐ Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- ☐ Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- ☐ Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- ☐ Gambling for longer periods than intended
- ☐ Becoming irritable or anxious when trying to reduce gambling
- ☐ Repeatedly unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- ☐ Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- ☐ Borrowing money or taking on debt to fund gambling
- ☐ Lying to loved ones about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- ☐ Neglecting work, study, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- ☐ Experiencing financial difficulties because of gambling losses
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a temporary break from your account for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an online casino for a longer period (typically 6 months to several years)
Use these tools proactively to maintain control and enjoy gambling responsibly.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online - Free, confidential counselling service for Australians
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call)
United Kingdom
- GamCare - Problem gambling support and information
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop - National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council - Evidence-based research and programs
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling - Help line and treatment resources
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) - Federal Centre for Health Education
Website: www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with support and treatment. If you think you might have a problem with gambling:
- Contact one of the support organizations listed above
- Speak to a family member, friend, or trusted person about your concerns
- Consider seeing a counselor or therapist who specializes in gambling addiction
- Use self-exclusion tools to restrict your access to online casinos
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is available, and you don't have to face this alone.