Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Bayside Blues Festival, we believe that online gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you choose to participate in gaming activities, please do so responsibly and within your means.
Set a budget you can afford to lose, play for fun, and remember that the house always has an edge. If gaming stops being enjoyable, it's time to take a break.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your state/territory) to participate in online gambling. Age verification is mandatory before accessing any gaming platforms. If you are under the legal age, please do not attempt to gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these warning signs apply to you?
- Chasing losses: Gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Loss of control: Being unable to stick to set limits or stop when you want to
- Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or loved ones
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Emotional distress: Feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed related to your gambling
- Financial problems: Borrowing money or experiencing debt because of gambling
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop
- Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Relationship strain: Arguing with family or friends about your gambling habits
If you've recognised any of these signs, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off): Take a temporary break from gaming for hours, days, or weeks
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily ban yourself from accessing gaming platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you choose to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively. They're designed to protect your wellbeing.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counselling and support services across Australia
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia: Free peer support and meetings for people affected by problem gambling
- National Problem Gambling Support Service: 1800 858 858 (free call)
International Resources
- United Kingdom — GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom — GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada — Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States — National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible. If you're experiencing difficulties related to gambling, please don't hesitate to seek support. Speaking to someone is the first step toward regaining control.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 (free, confidential, 24/7) or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Your health and wellbeing are more important than any bet. We're here to support you.