Responsible Gaming
Safe and Balanced Gambling Habits
At Bendigo Pokies, we encourage our players to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of their lives. This means setting boundaries and not using gambling as a way to cope with stress or negative emotions.
- Recognize when you're playing for the wrong reasons.
- Set aside time each day/week for non-gaming activities.
- Prioritize sleep, exercise, and social connections.
Gambling as Entertainment Rather Than Income
Gambling is meant to be enjoyable. However, if you start using it as a way to make money or relying on your winnings, you may develop an unhealthy attitude towards gaming.
- View wins and losses as part of the entertainment value.
- Don't chase losses or try to recoup previous losses with additional bets.
- Set realistic expectations about what can be won or lost.
Budget and Bankroll Management
Effective budgeting is key to maintaining a healthy gaming experience. This includes setting limits on your deposits, wagers, and net session times.
- Establish a separate bank account for gaming funds.
- Set aside a specific amount each month for gaming.
- Monitor and adjust these limits regularly as needed.
Deposit, Loss, Wager, and Session Limits
Bendigo Pokies offers various tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. These include:
- Deposit limits: set daily/weekly/monthly deposit caps
- Loss limits: set loss thresholds (e.g., "stop playing if I lose $X")
- Wager limits: set maximum bets per session or overall
- Session limits: track and limit gaming sessions by time or frequency
Reality Checks and Time Reminders
To help you stay aware of your gaming habits, we provide reality checks and time reminders.
- Reality checks: prompt you to review your activity at regular intervals.
- Time reminders: notify you when a session has exceeded a set duration.
Cooling-Off Periods and Self-Exclusion Tools
If you're concerned about your gaming habits or simply need some distance, our cooling-off periods and self-exclusion tools can help:
- Cooling-off periods: temporarily restrict access to the site.
- Self-exclusion: permanently ban yourself from accessing the platform.
Account Verification and Age Restrictions
To ensure a safe and secure gaming environment, we verify player accounts through multiple means. This includes age verification checks for those under 18.
- Use government-issued ID or other verified documents to prove age.
- Ensure that account information is accurate and up-to-date.
Protection of Vulnerable Players
We strive to create a fair and inclusive gaming experience for all players, including vulnerable populations:
- Age restrictions: prohibit minors from accessing the site.
- Responsible bonus policies: prevent bonuses being used as means of promoting problem gambling behaviour.
Warning Signs of Problematic Gambling
If you or someone else is experiencing any of these warning signs, we encourage seeking help and taking steps towards recovery:
- Chasing losses with greater wagers
- Feeling a strong urge to continue gaming despite negative consequences.
- Lying about or hiding their gaming habits from loved ones.
Support Organisations or Professional Help Resources
If you feel that your gambling is getting out of control, don't hesitate to reach out for help:
- National helplines: provide confidential support and guidance
- Self-exclusion registries: offer protection from the online gaming industry
Responsible Bonus Usage
While bonuses can add excitement to our games, we encourage responsible usage. This includes:
- Understand bonus terms: read and comply with any conditions attached to your rewards.
- Don't misuse bonus funds as a means of generating income.
Safer Gambling During Slots, Live Casino, Sportsbook, or Promotional Play
To ensure you have an enjoyable experience while gaming at Bendigo Pokies, we offer guidance for various types of games:
- Slot machines: set limits and track your progress with our built-in tracking features.
- Live casino: interact with the dealer but avoid using excessive wagers.
- Sportsbook: understand odds and betting markets before making a bet.
Mobile Gambling Awareness
When gaming on mobile devices, be aware of potential issues such as:
- Accessibility restrictions: limit access to certain games or features based on device capabilities
- Addiction warning signs: may differ from traditional desktop gambling behaviors
Family/Device Protection Measures
To safeguard family members and ensure responsible usage within your household, consider implementing protective measures like account restrictions.
- Block access to the site using parental controls.
- Regularly discuss gaming habits with loved ones.
