Responsible Gaming
At tasmanianunionlodge.org, we believe gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, escape problems, or solve financial difficulties. Pokies and other casino games are games of chance: the odds favour the house, and over time players will always lose more than they win. We encourage every visitor to gamble only with money they can afford to lose, to set limits before they play, and to walk away when the fun stops.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age to gamble legally in Australia. This applies to all forms of gambling, including pokies, casinos, wagering, and online betting. Licensed operators are required to verify your age and identity before allowing you to play. If you are under 18, you must not use any gambling service referenced on this website. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls and filtering software to prevent minors from accessing gambling content.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:
- Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you have lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or your partner
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you intended
- Borrowing money, selling belongings, or using credit to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or boredom
- Feeling irritable or restless when you try to cut down or stop
- Lying about how much you gamble or how much you have lost
- Thinking about gambling constantly, even when doing other things
If you answered "yes" to one or more of these, it may be time to take a break and seek support.
Self-Help Tools
All reputable gambling operators offer tools to help you stay in control. We strongly encourage you to use them:
- Deposit limits — cap the amount of money you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are prepared to lose in a session
- Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Time-outs — take a short break from your account for 24 hours, a week, or longer
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling venues or online services entirely. In Australia, you can register with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register (www.betstop.gov.au) to exclude yourself from all licensed online and phone wagering services in one step. Venue-based exclusion programs are also available through your state or territory regulator.
Support Organisations
Free, confidential help is available 24/7 across Australia:
- Gambling Help Online — free counselling, live chat, and support for anyone affected by gambling. Call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- BetStop – National Self-Exclusion Register — www.betstop.gov.au
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia — peer support meetings nationwide — www.gaaustralia.org.au
- Lifeline Australia — 24-hour crisis support, call 13 11 14 — www.lifeline.org.au
If Gambling Is No Longer Fun, Seek Help
If gambling is causing you stress, debt, relationship problems, or distress — please reach out today. Talking to a counsellor is free, confidential, and non-judgemental. Call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au at any time. Remember: when the fun stops, stop.
Last reviewed: 2026. tasmanianunionlodge.org is an independent information website and does not operate gambling services. Always gamble responsibly and only with licensed Australian operators.