Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Sydney On Road Model Car Club, we believe that gaming should only ever be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Pokies and online gaming are games of chance where the odds always favour the house. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never view it as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
Online gaming and pokies in Australia are only available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. We are committed to preventing underage gambling. If you are under 18, please do not access gaming services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls and monitor online activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut down or control gambling without success
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the extent of gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Neglecting family, work, education, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Experiencing relationship conflicts because of gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Gambling with money meant for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or over a period
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders during gaming sessions to take breaks and reflect on your activity
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic time limits for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms when you need a break
- Cooling-Off Periods: Request a pause before accessing your account again
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming habits.
Support & Help Resources
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional support is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organisations:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free online counselling and support services for all Australians affected by problem gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: Peer support meetings and community assistance
- Beyond Blue: Mental health support (1300 224 636) — available 24/7
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Free confidential support and counselling
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Prevention and treatment resources
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Help line: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): German federal centre for health education offering support resources
All of these organisations offer confidential, non-judgmental support at no cost.
Need Help Right Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support — trained professionals are ready to assist you confidentially.
Remember: Recovery is possible, and help is available. Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free call) or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au to access immediate support.