Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Gerald A Cottage, we believe that online pokies and casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only – never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gaming outcomes are based on chance, and the house always has a mathematical edge. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your state or territory) to use our services. We take age verification seriously and comply with all Australian gambling laws. If you are under the legal age, please do not gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about time and money spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Gambling longer or with larger amounts than intended
- Neglecting family, friends, work, or other responsibilities
- Borrowing money to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protections
Most online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a gaming session
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum wager per spin or hand
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logout after a specified period
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming sites
Speak with your gaming provider's customer support team to enable these features on your account.
Support & Help Resources for Australia
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – Free counselling and resources
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Lifeline Australia – 24/7 crisis support
Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours) - Gamblers Anonymous – Support meetings across Australia
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
International Resources
- GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support – help is confidential, free, and available 24/7.
Contact Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Gerald A Cottage is committed to promoting responsible gaming. We support all Australian gambling laws and the work of problem gambling counsellors and support services.