Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Safe Gaming
At Friends of LFW Toowoomba, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only—never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you're going to play online pokies, please do so responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is only available to players who are 18 years of age or older. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirements in your jurisdiction before engaging in any gambling activities. We do not permit access to our services by anyone under the legal gambling age.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
- Neglecting family, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend in a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on your losses to prevent overspending
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long and how much you've been playing
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account and exclude yourself from gambling services
We encourage you to use these tools proactively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support & Help Organizations
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free, confidential counselling and support service for Australians affected by problem gambling. - Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Crisis support and counselling. - Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 224 636
Support for mental health and wellbeing.
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Take Action Today
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling can have serious consequences for your mental health, relationships, and financial wellbeing. There is no shame in asking for support—many people have successfully overcome gambling problems with professional help.
Contact one of the organisations listed above today. They provide free, confidential, and judgment-free support to help you regain control.
Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.