Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Community Preselection, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Pokies and online gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to make money or recover losses, it's time to seek help.
Age Verification
In Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including pokies and online gaming. Community Preselection is strictly for adults only. By accessing our site, you confirm that you are of legal age to gamble in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Neglecting family, work, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement
- Failed attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Experiencing relationship conflicts due to gambling habits
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specified timeframe
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been gambling
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic log-out after a certain period
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a gaming platform for a set period or permanently
- Account Cooling Off: Take a temporary break from your gaming account
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organizations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organisations in Australia and internationally:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential counselling service
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Phone: 1800 858 858 - Gambler's Help – Victorian counselling and support
Phone: 1800 858 858
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Support and information
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – German Federal Centre for Health Education
Website: www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
Don't wait—reach out today. Problem gambling can affect your mental health, relationships, finances, and wellbeing. The good news is that help is available and recovery is possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the support organisations listed above. Speaking with a trained counsellor is free, confidential, and can be the first step toward regaining control.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.