Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Design Student Society, we want to remind you that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or playing a sport. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge, and losing money is a real possibility every time you gamble.

Please gamble responsibly and within your means. If you're struggling, help is available.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age of majority in your state or territory) to access online betting services in Australia. We take age verification seriously to protect young people from the potential harms of gambling.

If you are under the legal age, please do not use betting sites. If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, contact support services immediately.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these signs in your gambling behaviour? If so, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
• Gambling with money you can't afford to lose (rent, bills, essentials)
• Hiding your gambling activity or lying to friends and family about how much you gamble
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Gambling for longer periods or with larger amounts than intended
• Neglecting work, study, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Experiencing financial, legal, or personal problems as a result of gambling

If you tick even one of these boxes, consider reaching out for support.

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you stay in control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept
• Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a break from gambling for a set period (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from an operator's site for a set period or permanently

Use these tools proactively. They are there to help you maintain control over your gambling.

Support Organizations in Australia

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, these organisations offer free, confidential support:

International Support Resources

If you're accessing this site from outside Australia, please reach out to the appropriate support organisation in your country:

• United Kingdom: GamStop (www.gamstop.co.uk) – Self-exclusion service
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council (www.responsiblegambling.org)
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (www.ncpgambling.org)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling can develop quickly and can have serious consequences for your mental health, finances, and relationships. There is no shame in seeking help. Thousands of people recover from problem gambling every year with the right support.

Don't wait. Contact one of the organisations above today if you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling.

Remember: You are not alone, and help is available.