Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At christ-our-hope-community.net, we believe that online gaming should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling always carries risk, and the odds are designed in favour of the house. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before engaging with any gaming services. If you are under 18, please do not proceed.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover previous losses
• Hiding your gambling activities from friends, family, or partners
• Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Gambling for longer periods than you intended
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Repeatedly attempting to reduce or stop gambling without success
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress

If you recognise any of these signs in your behaviour, it is important to seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Protective Measures

Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a limit on the maximum amount you are willing to lose
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
• Time-Out: Take a temporary break from gambling for a period you choose
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from accessing gambling services

We encourage you to use these tools proactively, whether or not you feel you have a problem.

Support & Help Organizations

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these organisations offer free, confidential support:

Australia

• Gambling Help Online – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Phone: 1800 858 858 (free call from anywhere in Australia)

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free support, advice, and counselling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council – Information and resources
  www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Help and referrals
  www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education
  www.bzga.de

Need Help Right Now?

If you are struggling with gambling or suspect you may have a problem, please seek help today. Support is available 24/7 from trained professionals who understand problem gambling and can provide confidential assistance.

Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible, and help is available.