Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gambling at Lotterywest (Western Australia)

Safe and Balanced Gambling Habits

Gambling should be viewed as entertainment rather than a means to generate income. Set a budget for gaming activities and stick to it, avoiding chasing losses.

Budgeting for Gaming

To maintain balanced habits:

1. Allocate a specific amount for gaming each week or month.
2. Track spending to ensure it aligns with the set budget.
3. Prioritize essential expenses over discretionary ones like gaming.

Gambling as Entertainment

Remember that gambling, especially games of chance, involves an element of luck and unpredictability. Approach gaming with this mindset:

• View wins and losses as part of the entertainment experience rather than a reflection on personal skill or worth.
• Set realistic expectations about winning and losing based on probability and odds.

Budget and Bankroll Management

Properly managing finances is crucial for maintaining safe gambling habits. This includes understanding deposit limits, loss limits, wagering requirements, and session time constraints:

1. Deposit Limits: Place a cap on the amount that can be deposited into gaming accounts over a specific period.
2. Loss Limits: Set ceilings beyond which no further funds are transferred if losses exceed certain thresholds.
3. Wagering Requirements: Understand that some bonuses or rewards come with requirements to wager a certain sum before withdrawals.
4. Session Time Constraints: Limit the time spent on gaming sessions, taking regular breaks.

Reality Checks and Time Reminders

• Regularly monitor gambling activities, such as through Lotterywest (Western Australia)'s built-in tracking tools.
• Receive alerts if specific conditions are met, like exceeding deposit or loss limits.

Cooling-off Periods and Self-Exclusion Tools

In situations where a cooling off is needed:

1. Cooling Off: Temporarily suspend access to the platform for a set period before returning at a later date with renewed enthusiasm.
2. Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily block accounts from accessing gambling services.

Account Verification and Age Restrictions

Verification ensures that only individuals meeting minimum age requirements can engage in online gaming:

• Verify identities through various means, including government ID documents.
• Ensure gamblers are above the required age threshold to participate legally.

Protection of Vulnerable Players

Players with special needs or vulnerabilities receive additional support:

1. Accessibility Tools: Implement features that cater to players with disabilities, enhancing their gaming experience.
2. Vulnerability Checks: Regularly assess and address concerns regarding vulnerable gamblers through targeted tools and measures.

Warning Signs of Problematic Gambling

Identify early warning signs for when help might be necessary:

• Excessive time spent on gaming activities
• Increased debt due to gambling losses
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships because of gaming habits
• Withdrawal symptoms after attempting to stop playing