Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Margaret River Retreat, we believe that gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Betting sites and casino games are designed for fun and should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in gambling activities on any betting site. We take age verification seriously and conduct checks to ensure all users meet the legal age requirement in their jurisdiction. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Please be aware of these warning signs:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
• Neglecting family, work, or social responsibilities due to gambling
• Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
• Increasing the amount of money wagered to achieve the same level of excitement
• Feeling anxious or depressed about gambling debts
• Unable to control or stop gambling despite wanting to
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling activities
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide related to gambling losses

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features

Responsible betting sites provide tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Consider using:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose before you must stop gambling
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during your gambling session about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Time Limits: Set a timer to limit how long you can gamble in one session
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing betting sites
• Account Closure: Request to close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely

We encourage all players to use these tools proactively to maintain responsible gambling habits.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, the following organisations provide confidential support and counselling services:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Provides free, confidential counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families across Australia.

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Offers free, confidential support to anyone concerned about their gambling or that of a friend or family member.
• GamStop
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  A national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain.

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
  Provides evidence-based information and support for responsible gambling across Canada.

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  The premier source for information about problem gambling and recovery resources in the United States.

International

• Gamblers Anonymous
  A peer-support fellowship for people who have a desire to stop gambling. Meetings available worldwide.

Need Help? Take Action Today

If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please reach out for support immediately. There is no shame in asking for help — problem gambling is a recognised condition, and recovery is possible with the right support.

Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak with a trusted friend or family member, or visit your local healthcare provider. Help is available 24/7 through many of these services.

Your wellbeing is important to us. Gamble responsibly.