Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Bayside Blues Festival, we're committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming. It's important to understand that gambling should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Australia is available only to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online gambling activities. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, please contact the support services listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognise these warning signs in yourself or others:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount spent
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to cope with financial difficulties
- Family members expressing concern about your gambling
If you recognise any of these signs, help is available. Please reach out to a support service immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Control the maximum stake per bet
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Temporarily suspend your account for a set period (hours to weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your account and exclude yourself from all gambling services
We encourage you to use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you stay in control of your gambling.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential help is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential, and anonymous support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 (24/7)
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you're experiencing problems with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support—professional advisors are available to assist you confidentially and without judgment.
Contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 if you need support. Your wellbeing is our priority.
Remember: Gambling should be fun. When it stops being fun, it's time to get help.