Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Function Venue Melbourne, we believe that online pokies and gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits before you play.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction) to access and use gaming services. We take age verification seriously and comply with all Australian gambling regulations. If you are under the legal age, please do not participate in any gambling activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses — continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, study, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems
Self-Help Tools
Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control. These may include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a session or week
- Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks during gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications showing your play time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
Take advantage of these tools to maintain control over your gaming habits.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organizations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential support and counselling service
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (toll-free)
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free support, counselling, and information
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — Prevention and treatment resources
www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Federal Centre for Health Education
Telefon: 0800 1 372 374 (toll-free)
Take Action Today
If you or someone you care about is experiencing problem gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out — support services are confidential, non-judgmental, and available to help you regain control.
Remember: gambling should always be fun and within your means. If it's no longer enjoyable or is causing financial or personal hardship, it's time to get help.